FIREFIGHTERS are currently battling a major fire in Strathaven that left three people injured.

Residents on social media have told of hearing a "loud bang" and "popping" noise followed by "massive fire" and a column of dark smoke.

A video taken by a resident shows a column of flames and fire rising over buildings and trees in the town.

Emergency services rushed to the scene just before midnight and are still on the scene.

Locals say a butcher's shop was ablaze and the fire service confirmed two residential properties are also involved.

Emergency services said a total of three people were taken to hospital for treatment. 

A spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 11.39pm on Thursday, August 11, to reports of a fire in a building in Green Street, Strathaven.

"Operations Control mobilised a total of six appliances to the scene.

"The fire had taken hold within commercial premises and two residential properties situated above.

"Firefighters transferred two casualties to the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service and then worked to contain the fire.

"Crews are presently working to extinguish some remaining pockets of fire.”

Police confirmed residents in the area were evacuated as a result of the fire.

Inspector Kevin Miller of Rutherglen Police Station said: "Around 12am on Thursday, 12 August, police were called to reports of an explosion at a premises on Green Street in Strathaven.

“Emergency services attended and occupants of the surrounding residences were evacuated.

“A 67-year-old man and 47-year-old woman were taken by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment.

“A 55-year-old man was taken to University Hospital Wishaw for treatment.

"The road is currently closed and diversions are in place. We would advise people to avoid the area at this time."

"Enquiries into the cause of the explosion are ongoing."

Meanwhile, South Lanarkshire Council is warning on Twitter that a section of Green Street has been closed "due to a police incident". 

The tweet read: "Green Street in Strathaven from Waterside to Common Green is closed due to a police incident.

"Diversion from the A71 through B7078/Larhall/Hamilton/A713."