A historic building at 109-111 Princes Street in Edinburgh has been wrecked in a fire which broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Emergency services were called to the former Debenhams building at 2.52am on Thursday.

The roof and top floors of the B-listed building have been destroyed.

Seven fire engines and three specialist appliances were on the scene at the height of the incident.

Firefighters are expected to be at the scene for some time and parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place.”

Police urged the public to avoid the area.

The building is owned by Criterion Capital, which was in the process of transforming the vacant building into a 300 bed hotel.

The site have become Scotland’s first Zedwell hotel. The future for the site is now unclear.

A spokesperson for Criterion Capital said: “In respect of the fire at the former Debenhams building on Princes Street, Edinburgh, in the early hours of this morning, our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved.

“There have been no reported injuries, and we are very grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and professionalism.

“This building is an important and historic part of Edinburgh’s city centre, and we continue to liaise with the emergency services and relevant authorities.”

It is understood the building dates back to 1869, and was formerly the Palace Hotel.

Tram services in the area have been disrupted and some bus services have been diverted.

Edinburgh Trams said trams are running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the city’s West End only.