THE cause of the blaze which ravaged a paintball centre yesterday is not yet known, say Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

In an update this morning, it was confirmed that there were no casualties from yesterday's fire at the Special Ops centre on Borough Road.

Crews worked through the night to tackle the blaze after the main area of the fire was extinguished by 9pm last night.

Fears that youths may have been trapped inside the indoor paintball centre have been allayed.

Crews were called to the blaze on Borough Road at 5pm on Monday, July 3, following reports of the building being well alight.

There had been fears of people being inside after reports of two youths entering the building before the blaze and not coming out.

But Merseyside Fire and Rescue service, which remained on the scene this morning, said there was "no indication anyone was inside".

The blaze sent a huge thick black plume of smoke into the town's skies which could be seen for miles around.

The fire was extinguished at around 9pm last night, Monday, July 3, and firefighters remain on the scene to dampen down hot spots. 

There were at least seven fire engines at the location and an aerial appliance.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said a nearby Pilkington's factory had to be evacuated but it was not affected by the fire.

There were a number of road closures in Borough Road, Eccleston Street and Prescot Road.

A statement said: "Firefighters continued to fight the fire through the evening and right through the night. 

"The main area of fire was extinguished at around 9.00PM last night.

"Hotspotting and damping down has continued throughout the night and into this morning to ensure the fire is completely out. 

"There have been no casualties reported.

The cause of the fire is not yet known."

It added residents are advised to keep doors and windows shut until further notice.