DOZENS of firefighters worked through the night tackling a major fire at a Furness pub.

The inferno at the Lords Tavern on Abbey Road, Barrow, began at around 9pm last night.

Cumbria Fire said at its height 12 fire engines and 70 firefighters were at the scene.

A hose reel and water jets was used to tackle the fire.

People living nearby were evacuated and a reception centre was set up at the Forum 28.

Firefighters said all three storeys of the building had been affected.

It is believed no-one has been injured.

Crews continued to battle the fire overnight and it is now under control with crews just damping down the area and checking for hotspots.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation to establish whether or not there are any suspicious circumstances.

DI Helen Ellis from Cumbria Police said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who was the Bar Continental area yesterday just before, or at the time, the fire started. 

“We are also appealing to anyone who captured footage on their mobile phones to get in touch, as it may help our investigation.”

A section of Abbey Road will remain closed to motorists and pedestrians until at least Saturday while the gas board undertake some essential work.

The road will be closed between the junction at Ramsden Square Roundabout and the junction at Bath Street.

Work is ongoing today to make the building safe.