Demolition crews have started to dismantle the top of a building in Longton following a huge fire.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue has spent hours tackling the blaze today (2 July) and a team has now moved in to asses the safety of the building.

The building on The Strand, opposite the derelict Crown Pottery Factory, was seen well alight by eyewitnesses just after midnight. It is believed the upper levels are derelict but there are some businesses housed on the ground floor.

Parts of a fire-hit building in Longton are being dismantled. (Nub News)

Now a demolition crew has moved in and are removing larger bricks, piece by piece, from the gable end in the middle of the building. There are currently two cranes in operation with two workers chipping away at the brickwork.

There have not been any plans revealed that relate to the demolition of the entire building.

This morning The Strand has been closed and a business housed on the ground level of the fire-hit building has been forced to close. 

Polish food store, Food Plus has been forced to close following the Longton fire. (Nub News)

Polish food shop, Food Plus (Dwa Koty), is beneath the area currently being dismantled by the demolition crews. 

The shop informed customers on social media that they don't know when they will be able to reopen and have directed people to its Stoke store instead. 

A statement on social media from the shop said: "Due to the huge fire, our shop in Longton will be closed.

"Dear customers, at this current moment we are unsure whether we will still have a shop in Longton, the fire fighters must check if the building is safe to enter, we'd like to ask that you shop in Stoke, it will be a great support for us."

The city council says the usual access to the B&M car park is also impacted by the current road closure and the Farmfoods store in the town has also closed for the day.

There is a diversion in place and The Strand can currently be accessed via Uttoxeter Road.