Viewpoint Eyewitness News: Fire on Union Street.

One person has been killed and another is missing after a fire broke out in a flat on Union Street in Plymouth.

Devon & Somerset Fire Service crews were called to the scene at around 02:00 hours GMT.

3 people were rescued, and 35 more were evacuated from the building.

From what I could see as I passed by the scene this morning, the fire damage was limited to the top floor flat where the fire broke out.

Other flats in the building looked to have escaped any noticeable damage.

BBC News has more on the story.  Edgcumbe Road, and Union Street all the way down to the Octagon, have been blocked by Police, and no traffic is currently being allowed in that area.  Other routes around the effected area are available.  Devon & Cornwall Police are also on the scene, and an investigation will begin soon.  Plymouth Herald also have more, including an eyewitness video.

Plymouth Herald seen in Truro

It’s been over 20 years since I last saw the Plymouth Herald on sale in Truro at all.  Back then, it was an “evening” paper, usually on sale in Truro by about 2.30 at the latest.  It was one of the few papers that I actually made a point of buying at all.  Most others actually didn’t interest me.  I used to buy the West Briton Argus when that was produced.  It was a Monday tabloid update to the Thursday broadsheet West Briton, and was very cheap.  I think when the Argus got absorbed into the main Thursday paper, The Argus would have been on sale for something like 15p on a Monday. 

Anyway, I was in town this morning, and what did I happen to see as I walked into a local newsagent this morning?  The Plymouth Herald.  Now a morning papers, as it has been since October 2006.  Still relatively cheap at just 36p, which is in fact cheaper than it’s sister paper, the Western Morning News. 

I’m hoping that this is a sign of a more permanent return to Cornwall’s newsagents.  Years ago, before my living memory, there was a Cornwall Evening Herald as well.  Perhaps the Plymouth Herald could also produce a separate edition for Cornwall, much like its sister paper does.  I for one would be all for it.