Shocking moment massive fireball erupts into the sky after derelict building goes up in flames in Preston city centre

This is the shocking moment a massive fireball erupted into the sky after a derelict building caught fire in Preston city centre.

Firefighters were battling a blaze on Church Street on Tuesday evening, with locals told to keep windows and doors closed.

Dramatic footage posted on social media shows huge flames rising into the sky beneath a row of terraced buildings.

It comes just days after another fire within a derelict property in Preston, Lancashire, on November 4.

Tuesday's inferno marks the sixth blaze in the area in recent weeks, with at least five others reported since October 31.

The fire was first reported at 6.18pm on Tuesday, with people sharing images online of huge flames and black smoke billowing into the evening sky.

There were several road closures in place - including Church Street, Manchester Road and Shepherd Street up to Rose Street.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'At 18:18 on 12 November 2024, four fire engines from Preston, Bamber Bridge and Blackpool, along with the aerial ladder platform were called to a derelict building fire on Church Street, Preston.

'Firefighters are using two jets to tackle the fire and remain in attendance.'

MailOnline has contacted emergency services for more information.

On November 3, a man had to be treated in hospital following a suspected gas explosion in Preston.

Police were called by the fire services to a report of a huge explosion at a home in the city at around 10.35pm that evening.

One man suffered burn injuries from the blast, which caused 'significant damage' to the house, and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said at the time: 'A joint investigation will be launched in due course with our colleagues from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause and circumstances that led to the suspected gas explosion.'