Why Cathedral Street in Glasgow has been shut down by police

Emergency services raced to Cathedral Street after the alarm was raised at around 3.54pm.

They have now confirmed it came after a “spillage of potentially hazardous materials”, believed to have happened at a lab in Strathclyde University.

Police were on the scene as the building was evacuated (Image: Taylor Murray)

The incident prompted a large emergency response (Image: Taylor Murray)

The department appeared to be evacuated as a result.

The incident sparked eight fire engines on the scene with police also in the area.

Crews remain in attendance and there are no reported casualties at this time.

Glasgow City Council's road department says Cathedral Street is closed from North Hanover Street to Stirling Road.

The area has been taped of by police (Image: Taylor Murray)

Police Scotland said: "Following reports of a small explosion within a building at Cathedral Street in Glasgow, we are assisting Scottish and Fire Rescue with traffic management.

The following road closures are in place at North Hanover Street to George Street, North Frederick Street to George Street, George Street to Montrose Street and High Street to Cathedral Street."

Inspector Gary Montgomerie said: “We would ask drivers to use an alternative route, and people should avoid the area to allow emergency services access.

"There is no immediate threat to the public.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.54pm on Monday, 5 June to an incident at a property on Cathedral Street, Glasgow.

“Operations Control mobilised eight appliances to the scene where they were met with a spillage of potentially hazardous materials.

“Crews remain in attendance. There are no reported casualties.”

The area has been taped of by police (Image: Taylor Murray)

We previously reported how initially, Glasgow City Council's roads department said there was a fire but our reporter on the scene has heard conflicting reports.

The council's roads department urged drivers to seek an alternative route, in particular during peak times.
The area is being investigated (Image: Taylor Murray)

Their statement said: "Due to an ongoing building fire, Cathedral Street is closed from North Hanover Street to Stirling Road.

"Emergency Services are in attendance.

"Drivers are advised to seek an alternative route, in particular during peak times."

Stagecoach warned that their services were being diverted as a result of the blaze.