Shoppers fled in terror today (Thurs) after a “monster fire” tore through buildings in Leicester city centre.<br /><br />Huge 100ft-high clouds of smoke could be seen billowing over the city after the blaze broke out near the Haymarket Shopping Centre.<br /><br />Dozens of firefighters from eight different units raced to the scene after the flames were spotted engulfing buildings in Belgrave Gate.<br /><br />Shoppers desperately scrambled to safety after the fire broke out in the Beauty Queens Cosmetic shop at around 9.30am.<br /><br />One eyewitness said: “The shops had just opened so it was getting busy and then there was total panic.<br /><br />“There was smoke everywhere. You could feel the heat from the fire from a few streets away. It’s a monster fire. I saw people crying and running.”<br /><br />Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire started on the ground floor of Beauty Queens Cosmetics before spreading. <br /><br />A spokeswoman said the incident was “fast moving” with specialist crews with breathing apparatus tackling the flames from multiple locations.<br /><br />Shopper Joan Brady, 50, said: “I saw the flames coming out of the shop (Beauty Queens Cosmetics) and it looked totally out of control.<br /><br />“The acrid smell of smoke was horrible. Apparently you could see the smoke from miles away. It was like a scene from a movie. I just pray no one was hurt."
