Social club destroyed by blaze

UP to 40 firefighters tackled a major blaze that closed a nearby school.

Crews were called out to a fire in a community resource centre close to Auchinraith Primary in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, at around 1.48am yesterday.

It is understood the fire broke out in Blantyre Miners Welfare social club, just behind the primary school.

Police crews were also called to the scene on Calder Street and the council said the school would remain closed yesterday.

There were no reported injuries.

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: “Auchinraith Primary is closed due to fire on premises near the school, on advice of emergency services.

“Calderside Academy open as usual.”

Local MSP Monica Lennon tweeted that the incident had happened at the Blantyre Miners Welfare.

She said: “Terrible news of fire incident at Blantyre Miners Welfare.”

Rutherglen MP Ged Killen said the Miners Welfare was “close to the hearts of everyone in my constituency”.

He said: “I know the entire community will be as deeply distressed as I am.

“Along with everyone else, I am hoping and praying that no-one has been caught up in this tragedy.”

He thanked the emergency services and said he was receiving regular updates on the situation.

He added: “My constituency office is in the building and my staff are working hard to ensure we are fully up and running as soon as possible.”