Portsmouth nightclub blaze sees 1,000 clubbers evacuated

The Astoria, Guildhall Walk Image copyright HFRS
Image caption Clubbers were helped out of the venue by police and door staff

About 1,000 clubbers were evacuated after a fire broke out at a nightclub in Portsmouth.

The fire started in the ceiling above the dance floor at The Astoria, Guildhall Walk, at about 01:40 BST during its mid-week dirty disco event.

Police and door staff helped clubbers out of the three-storey building while fire crews put out the blaze. No-one was hurt.

The club said it would open at midday for people to collect their belongings.

The event is described on the venue's Facebook page as "probably the best mid-week club night in Portsmouth" featuring "stilt walkers and fire breathers."

Following the incident, the club posted: "Once again, thank you for everyone's assistance and patience."

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was believed to have started in ducting in a ceiling void above the dance floor.