Ayrshire shopping centre reopens after large fire

Firefighters are continuing to battle a large fire in Ayrshire that broke out late on Monday evening.

The blaze on Low Green Road in Irvine has heavily damaged the old Forum shopping centre and forced the neighbouring Rivergate Shopping Centre to close. It has since reopened.

No-one has been injured in the incident, which began about 23:30 on Monday.

People in the area have been advised to find alternative routes to the train station and nearby offices - such as using the Low Green Bridge.

A Celtic supporter's club is based in the old Forum, which local reports say has been partially destroyed in the fire.

The shopping centre that was previously there has been closed for several years.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and two height vehicles to the area and firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting a commercial building.

"There are no reported casualties and three fire appliances and one height vehicle currently remain at the scene."

The former shopping centre at the Forum has lain derelict for years.

Last year, three men were convicted of operating a cannabis factory from the building.