Several city centre roads reopen following major Edinburgh fire, police confirm

Several city centre roads have reopened following a major fire at the former Debenhams building in Edinburgh's Princes Street, police have confirmed.

Castle Street, Frederick Street and Rose Street North Lane are now accessible again after a wider cordon was initially put in place when the blaze broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning.

However, the immediate area surrounding the site on Princes Street remains closed, along with Rose Street and Rose Street South Lane.

Emergency services are continuing to advise members of the public to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed where possible.

Police and firefighters remain at the scene, though officers confirmed there have been no reported injuries.

A joint investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, but emergency services have warned the site currently remains too dangerous to enter.

Firefighters dampen down the old Debenhams building on Edinburgh's Princes Street after a major fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images

Police Scotland said officers were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the scene at around 3.05am.

A force spokesperson said: “Firefighters and officers cannot enter the building as, at this time, it is deemed not safe to enter.

“Work is ongoing to ensure the area is made safe and enquiries are at an early stage.

“A joint investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.”