Fire in downtown Christchurch

A fire has broken out right in the middle of earthquake-ravaged central Christchurch.

It is on the corner of Worcester and Manchester Streets near the Cathedral.

Reporter Lesley Murdoch is at the scene and says smoke is pouring out of the building. She was part of Prime Minister John Key's entourage, which has now reached the city and Mr Key has seen for himself the extent of the devastation.

- NEWSTALKZB