EMERGENCY services were called to Hilbre island earlier this evening after smoke was seen billowing out of a cave.

Police, coastguard and firecrews attended the scene at around 7.30pm and the fire which, according to a Merseyside Fire service tweet, is believed to have involved building materials in the cave, was extinguished.

As the night progressed people were told to evacuate the island because of a change in wind direction.

Pictures sent in by Globe readers Steve Williams and Diane Johnson show the smoke, which could be seen across Merseyside.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Hilbre Island will remain completely closed overnight and Merseyside Police will continue to maintain a cordon.

Emergency services will be re-attending in daylight hours to assess the incident.