MORE than 60 firefighters from across Gwent fought for two-and-a-half hours last night to bring under control a blaze at a building in Newport city centre.

The fire, which was started deliberately, has severely damaged the three-storey property on Commercial Street, which houses a mixture of commercial space and residential accommodation.

South Wales Fire and Rescue received a call at 9.13pm and three crews attended, from Duffryn, Cwmbran and Malpas stations.

They found the building well alight and requested further help.

The ground and first floors were found to be on fire.

By shortly after 10pm, seven crews were at the scene and were fighting to contain the fire. People in neighbouring buildings had been accounted for and were safe.

The fire was reported to be under control shortly before midnight, by which time 13 appliances were at the scene. Two aerial ladders, three jets, two safety jets, three hosereels, two water bowsers and six sets of breathing apparatus had been used.

Crews have remained at the scene throughout the night damping down hotspots.