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A fire in a row of disused shops today sent huge plumes of smoke into the air and damaged the building.

Fire crews from around the city were sent to the blaze, which was first reported at about 4.50pm today, and quickly put it out.

The blaze had started in an electrical panel in one of the shops off Sturdee Road, Eyres Monsell , Leicester. The block used to be a row of shops and businesses with flats above but Leicester City Council removed all the tenants and the building is due to be demolished.

(Image: Google)

A fire spokeswoman said: “There was a lot of smoke in the building but the fire was brought under control quickly.”

An investigation is being carried out by specialists from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service to determined how the blaze started.

The incident was attended by fire crews from stations around Leicester, as well as the aerial ladder platform, which is used for tackling large fires.