Fire chiefs have thanked Monmouth businesses and residents for their help and patience after the huge blaze in flats in Monk Street.

The fire broke out in the building’s roof space on Tuesday afternoon.

Fire crews were sent to the scene from Coleford, Whitchurch, Ross-on-Wye, Aberbargoed and Merthyr. South Wales Fire and Rescue service described the fire as a "large scale incident." There was considerable traffic disruption in the town as the fire was brought under control at the height of the rush hour, and a number of roads were gridlocked.

The fire service today said it wanted to thank people for their patience as the incident was tackled.

"Thank you to those living in the area for your patience whilst crews extinguished the fire, and to those who contacted our control to notify us of the incident," the service said.

It is not thought anyone was injured.

The building, Royal George House, is undergoing maintenance work and is covered in scaffolding. It is the former home of the commander of the Monmouth Militia and dates back to the early 1700s.