ALERT: Residents evacuated as fire rips through building in centre of Longford town

Several residents living in the centre of Longford town were evacuated in the early hours of this Sunday following a major fire.

The scene of the overnight blaze is currently preserved for forensic and technical examination and a garda spokesperson has confirmed that no serious injuries were reported.

Gardaí and emergency services say they were alerted to the fire at a premises in the Grafton Court area of the town shortly before 1.30am.

Residents in the overhead apartments were safely evacuated, and the fire was brought under control by local Fire Services. 

"Gardaí in Longford are conducting inquiries following a fire at a premises in Longford on Sunday, July 28. Shortly before 1:30am, gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a fire at a premises at Grafton Court in Longford town," said a garda spokesperson.

READ ALSO: Gardai in urgent appeal for help in locating missing teenager

"Residents in the overhead apartments were safely evacuated, and the fire was brought under control by local Fire Services. No injuries were reported. The scene is currently preserved for forensic and technical examination," they added.

One of the businesses hit by the blaze by Grafters Hair Company and they have posted on their social media platform:

"Due to a major fire at Grafton Court in early hours of this morning, a number of businesses are affected including our beloved Grafters. We are so sorry to report this but most importantly to our knowledge, no person has been injured."

Investigations are ongoing.