Shoppers fled in terror today (Thurs) after a "monster fire" tore through buildings in Leicester city centre."

Huge 100ft-high clouds of smoke could be seen billowing over the city after the blaze broke out near the Haymarket Shopping Centre.

Dozens of firefighters from eight different units raced to the scene after the flames were spotted engulfing buildings in Belgrave Gate.

Shoppers desperately scrambled to safety after the fire broke out in the Beauty Queens Cosmetic shop at around 9.30am.

One eyewitness said: "The shops had just opened so it was getting busy and then there was total panic."

"There was smoke everywhere. You could feel the heat from the fire from a few streets away. It’s a monster fire. I saw people crying and running."

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire started on the ground floor of Beauty Queens Cosmetics before spreading.

A spokeswoman said the incident was "fast moving" with specialist crews with breathing apparatus tackling the flames from multiple locations."

Shopper Joan Brady, 50, said: "I saw the flames coming out of the shop (Beauty Queens Cosmetics) and it looked totally out of control."

"The acrid smell of smoke was horrible. Apparently you could see the smoke from miles away. It was like a scene from a movie. I just pray no one was hurt."