The fire engulfs the Scots store as firefighters rush to the scene and homes are evacuated

FAMILIES were forced to leave their homes after a fire broke out in the shop below.

Frightened residents were evacuated from the block as five fire engines battled to control the blaze at the Edinburgh Halal Unit, south of the capital’s city centre.

Crew members peered through windows after being raised on a platform as thick clouds of black smoke rose around them.

The incident commanders said there were no injuries.

One viewer said: “I hope everyone got out okay.

“It’s very scary.

“You could see the smoke all over the city.

“Firefighters had covered almost the entire street with hoses and were doing their best to put out the fire.

“What a terrible thing that happened so close to Christmas.”

Rescue workers closed streets around the affected apartment building as they battled the flames.

Crowds gathered to watch as people streamed out of the apartments above.

Buses and traffic were diverted while the fire that broke out earlier in the evening was brought under control.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We received a report of a fire at a shop in Gillespie Place at around 6.25pm.

“There are currently four fire extinguishers and one high-altitude device.

“It’s currently running.”