Residents were told to keep their doors and windows shut last night after a fire broke out in the centre of Bournemouth.

Three fire crews rushed to the Bournemouth International Centre on Exeter Road following reports of a blaze at the popular events venue. Firefighters used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the flames, which are believed to have started at around 7.30pm.

Smoke made its way into the building, although no event was taking place at the time. The centre is one of the largest venues for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and events in southern England with easy access to the coast.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for further details. Firefighters continued to work at the scene into the early hours of Tuesday.

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