Firefighters battled since midnight to control a fire at car parts and bike shop Motor World.

The fire spread to the nearby Hethertons cafe in the 18th century Kings Coffee House, causing some damage, while adjacent Vodafone offices in the Broadway were also affected.

Police closed Northbrook Street during rush hour this morning as emergency crews cleared the scene and began investigating its cause. As a result, Newbury workers were diverted to Park Way and the A339 which quickly ground to a halt.

It is not yet clear if there were any casualties, but newbury.net will bring you more later.