NOWSHERA, Oct 16: Four shops were reduced to ashes and more than 20 others damaged when a fire broke out in a three-storeyed building on the G.T. Road on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses said the blaze erupted in Bara Cloth Market at around 2pm and spread to more than two dozen shops.

They said the timely arrival of fire fighters averted a huge loss as the market housed at least 2,000 cloth shops dealing in cloth.

Pesco officials disconnected power supply to the area to save further damage.

The cause of the blaze was said to be short circuit.

Police called in fire brigade from the City District Government, Nowshera Cantonment Board, PAF Academy Risalpur, Risalpur Locomotive Factory, Peshawar Town-I and the TMA Mardan.

They said that onlookers, most of whom were Afghan refugees, created difficulties for the fire fighters to control the blaze.

Police resorted to baton charge to disperse the crowd.