A FIRE at a property in Stevenston saw thick smoke billow throughout New Street as firefighters battled to put out the blaze. 

Earlier this afternoon, the street was closed off as emergency services attended after the alarm was raised. 

The fire, just across from the Glencairn Pub, took hold at the property where a nail salon and flats are located. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known but eyewitnesses say they heard electrical bangs and saw sparks before the fire brigade arrived. The Herald has contacted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for comment.