Cashino in Wisbech gutted by large Market Place fire

The fire broke out at around 6.15pm today (Friday, April 22).

Pictures show the shop front on Market Place engulfed in flames, with smoke visible throughout the town.

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Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue on the scene (Image: Ian Carter)

The shop was gutted by the blaze (Image: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service)

An eyewitness said it appeared as though the fire was brought under control quickly.

"Thankfully, I don't think there were any casualties," they said.

The building was gutted in the blaze.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said eight pumps, an an aerial appliance and the incident command unit attended.

Firefighters and Cambridgeshire Police officers urged members of the public to avoid the area.

Firefighters tackling the blaze (Image: Brinton Phillips)

Smoke billowing over Wisbech during a blaze at Cashino on Market Place (Image: Brinton Phillips)

Fire crews are tackling a blaze at Cashino, Wisbech (Image: Duncan Riddell)

Cashino runs adult gaming centres throughout the country, which feature bingo machines and tablets.

In Wisbech, Fenland District Council gave the owners of Cashino planning permission for a second town centre gaming unit in summer 2021.

Cashino is in the process of rebranding, and is rolling out its new Merkur Slots brand.

The company plans to take over the empty shop formerly occupied by Hughes Electrical at 48-49 Market Place.

Firefighters making their way to the blaze in Wisbech (Image: Brinton Phillips)

Emergency services, including Cambridgeshire Police, on the scene (Image: Ian Carter)

It currently operates the gaming centre at 5 Market Place, where the fire started.

Cashino says its outlets are not betting shops since fixed odds betting terminals are not on offer.

Instead, the company says its machines offer "low stakes of between 10p and £2 - the average stake from customers is 30-40p".

First photo of the fire at Cashino, Wisbech, tonight (Friday, April 22) (Image: Archant)

Firefighters and police on the scene of a serious fire at Cashino, Wisbech (Image: Ian Carter)