STAFF were evacuated from a shop after a blaze in Larkfield yesterday afternoon.

Firefighters rushed to Cumberland Walk to tackle a fire within the first floor of a derelict property shortly after 2pm.

They helped shop workers to safety and put out the fire within an hour.

A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: “Staff from a nearby shop were safely evacuated by fire service personnel.”

This comes a month after a firefighter was seriously injured when attending a blaze at the derelict Larkfield Masonic Association Club in Auchmead Road.

A local councillor has expressed concern after the latest blaze.
Ward councillor Ciano Rebecchi said: “It’s awful.

“Something should be done to stop this happening

“These buildings should be secured and moves made to get them demolished now.

“I hope no-one was hurt.”

Detectives from Greenock CID are investigating the blaze

A spokesperson said: “We are reviewing CCTV footage and would like to hear from witnesses who saw anyone running away or acting suspiciously in the area.”

Witnesses should call the police non-emergency number 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously.