Welshpool couple's car in Liverpool blaze

New year celebration have been dampened for two Welshpool couples planning to see in 2018 in Liverpool.

Parking in the Liverpool Echo Arena car park seemed a good idea for Glyn Humphreys, his wife Anne and close friends Andrew “Biggles” Williams and his wife Diane.

But a huge fire is now blazing at the car park alongside the arena which is hosting the International Horse Show and Glyn and Anne’s VW Passat looks to have been destroyed in the blaze, leaving the couples stranded on Merseyside.

“The four of us came to Liverpool for the new year celebrations and Glyn parked in the multi-storey car park. Now it looks like the VW Passatt has been destroyed,” said Biggles.

“The only good thing is he has hopefully saved the £30 parking fee.”

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said 12 engines were at the scene at King's Dock. Merseyside Police said a number of vehicles were on fire.

Nearby apartments have been evacuated due to smoke billowing from the blaze, the force added.

Merseyside Police has warned people to stay away from the area, adding that travel restrictions were in place.

It is understood there are about 150 cars in the car park and people are being told to leave their vehicles there for the night.

The Liverpool International Horse Show has been running at the arena, which has a total capacity of 11,000, since 28 December. On the show's Facebook page, organisers said it was with "considerable regret" that it had decided to cancel the evening show due to the fire.

It added: "All people and horses are safe and secure, and show organisers have thanked spectators, riders and support teams for their understanding and co-operation during this ongoing situation.