More than 30 firefighters are tackling a major blaze in a science building at the University of St Andrews.

Eight fire appliances were sent to the scene after reports of a fire involving suspected hazardous materials just before 5pm on Sunday.

The biomedical sciences building is in the North Haugh area of the Fife town.

The university said there were no reports of any injuries or anyone in the building.

Images posted on social media showed flames in the windows of the building.

Police are also at the scene.

The university tweeted a statement saying: “The Biomedical Sciences building at the University of St Andrews has suffered a serious fire late this afternoon.

“No reports of any injuries or anyone in the building. The Fire Brigade are still at the scene.”

A fire service spokesman said: “More than 30 firefighters are currently tackling a well developed fire at a St Andrews University building.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 4.58pm on Sunday, February 10 to reports of a fire involving suspected hazardous materials on North Haugh Street, St Andrews.

“Operations Control mobilised eight fire engines including a height appliance and specialist resources.

“Firefighters are currently tackling the flames.”

Built in the late 1990s, the building is shared by the university’s Schools of Chemistry and Biology.

The four-storey structure houses laboratories where scientists conduct medically focused research in organic and synthetic chemistry, virology and microbiology.

The university said it is known as a centre of excellence addressing issues such as antibiotic resistance and infectious disease.

Around 100 staff and postgraduate students work in the building.