A BUILDING in Newport collapsed early today after a fire tore through it. Eight people living nearby were evacuated after the blaze broke out in an empty property in Commercial Road, Pill.

Much of the three-storey end-terrace building collapsed during the fire. The council was expected to demolish the rest at about 10am today and a section of Commercial Road between Kwik Save and near The Black Horse pub will be closed off.

Residents reported the fire at 2am and over 40 firefighters helped bring the blaze under control.

Michael O'Driscoll, 70, of Williams Close, said: "I had smoke in my flat and we were all quite frightened. There was so much smoke outside it was hard to see anything."

Paul Gerry, 21, a driver, of Commercial Road, said: "I heard a lot of popping and banging at around two o'clock. Flames were very high in the air. The neighbours who were evacuated were all white with shock."

It is not yet known what the cause of the fire was - the site was still too dangerous for fire investigators to enter this morning.

Mr Gerry said there was speculation that the fire could have been an arson attack. He said: "There are always youngsters hanging round there."

The eight residents of the adjoining three flats were offered accommodation during the evacuation but chose to stay with friends and family.

The building was advertised as vacant and was last used by vehicle hire company Torcross.

Sub Officer Gwyn Arthur, of Maindee fire station, said: "The building collapsed quite early on in the fire. The structure was then so unsafe we fought the fire from a distance. We've been unable to get anyone in to investigate the cause."

Pill councillor Laura Buchanan-Smith said: "That area is a bad place for kids hanging around. If it was arson then it's a great pity. But it's a problem everywhere."

Firefighters brought the worst of the fire under control in 40 minutes but expect to be at the site until tomorrow morning.

Crews from Maindee, Malpas, Duffryn, Cwmbran and Roath were called out.

Gwent Police and South Wales Fire Service are investigating the cause of the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.