Pregnant women evacuated after large fire breaks out at maternity hospital

Pregnant women are being evacuated from a maternity hospital after a large fire broke out.

Black smoke was seen over St Michael's Hospital in Bristol shortly before 16:30 BST. Firefighters from Avon and Fire and Rescue Service are attending.

Pregnant women are being helped by midwives after being moved outside of the building.

Jess Hutchinson, 22, whose waters have broken, said it was "scary" hearing the fire break out on the roof.

Avon and Somerset Police said it is supporting the fire service at the scene of the fire.

In a statement on X, the force said: "St Michael's Hill is closed to vehicles and pedestrians and people are urged to avoid the area if at all possible."

Matt Burden, from Weston-super-Mare, was inside the maternity unit with his wife when the fire broke out.

He said she was in labour with their third baby and he was "really eager to get back" to her.

"I went out to get some food, came back and obviously the alarm went off," he said.

"They said all partners had to leave. Everyone was going down the fire exit quite fast.

"When we came out I saw black smoke, all up in flames."

He said he has spoken to his partner on the phone and said she is safe inside.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We're currently responding to a fire on Southwell Street, Bristol.

"We encourage people to avoid the area while we deal with the incident. Further updates will be issued."