EIGHT people were forced to flee their homes last night after a fierce blaze tore through a Greenock shop.

Firefighters, police and paramedics rushed to the scene of the fire at the Inverclyde Estate and Letting Agency shop in West Blackhall Street just before 11.30pm.

Scott Thompson, a crew manager at Greenock Fire Station, said the fire was ‘well developed’ when they arrived at the scene.

He told the Tele: “Four fire appliances including a high reach appliance were called out at 11.30pm last night.

“The fire was well developed and had possibly been going for some time.

“When we made entry there was a lot of smoke and there was a well developed fire at the back of the property.

“To bring the fire under control, we sent in two breathing apparatus teams which include four firefighters who used a main jet and thermal imaging cameras.”

Eight neighbouring residents, who live above the premises, were rescued and led to safety.

Crew manager Thompson said firefighters spent over five hours tackling the blaze.

He added: “We were there until about 5am this morning.

“Half of the shop has been totally gutted and the other half has heavy smoke damage.”

The road remained cordoned off this morning.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff at Greenock CID says an investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze.

He said: “Eight people were evacuated and three people were treated for smoke inhalation.

“There will now be a joint investigation between the police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as we’re still to establish the cause.

“Anyone with information or anyone whose car was parked in the street and has a dash cam is asked to contact the police on 101.”