A road had to be closed and residents evacuated following a major house fire which spread through a row of terraces.

Police closed Queen Street in Whalley on Tuesday morning, after the fire, which broke out around 7am, spread to three other houses.

People had to be evacuated from their homes and take refuge in the nearby village hall while crews battled the blaze.

At its height, six fire engines were in attendance.

It is still not yet known whether there are any injuries, but it is believed one person had to be pulled from one of the buildings by firefighters.

Traffic and people were being asked to avoid the area.

UPDATE: One confirmed dead in Whalley house fire

A fire service spokesperson said: "Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform from Hyndburn, Padiham, Blackburn, Clitheroe, Haslingden, Great Harwood and Fulwood are in attendance at a fire involving a terraced house on Queen Street in Whalley, which spread to three adjacent properties.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three jets and two hose reels to bring the fire under control.

"A number of residents have been evacuated and we are working with Lancashire Police and the local authority in a multi-agency response to this incident.

"Queen Street is closed. Please avoid the area."

Firefighters remained at the incident for most of the day, damping down and making the area safe.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called around 7.05am today to a fire at a property in Queen Street, Whalley.

"Queen Street is closed and a cordon is in place, but please can we ask you avoid the area.

"Any residents that have been evacuated - The Village Hall is open for you to attend."

Pictures from the scene showed a number of fire engines and smoke billowing from the properties.

Carol Ann Powers who lives nearby and provided some of the photos said: "I am advised they got the owner out of the house. It's very close to us but I think everyone is ok." 

Whalley and Painter Wood Councillor Ged Mirfin said: "It's been a really big fire. Two properties are complete shells. The damage is very severe.

"I think there were six engines at the height of it.

"I have nothing but praise for the fire service.

"The community have stepped into the breach for the five families directly affected by this and accommodation is being provided.

"It's a bit of a shock for the village, but the community is resilient and will pull together on this."

The ambulance service has been contacted for a statement.