The first cars have been removed from the roof of the Douglas car park

The first cars stuck in the fire-damaged multi-storey car park in Douglas Village Shopping Centre have been removed by crane from the car park roof today.

The Centre's management estimate this could take up to seven days.

PJ Hegarty and Sons Construction are providing the cranes to lift the cars from the damaged building.

The structural integrity of the car park was compromised by the blaze which started on Saturday evening after a car went on fire.

The part of the car park that was badly destroyed is due to be demolished as soon as the cars are lifted to safety.

As it stands, the shopping centre will remain closed until demolition is complete.