A COUPLE have escaped unharmed after their car caught fire earlier today.

Firefighters were deployed shortly after 3pm to Watlington Street on the IDR.

It is believed a man and a woman were out of the car by the time fire crews attended.

Watch manager James Doud from Caversham Road fire station said: "It was a black Mercedes and we think it was a fire coming from the car engine.

"We were there for around half an hour and used breathing masks and hose reels.

"Neither the man or woman were hurt and did not require treatment at the scene."

Employees in the nearby Universal Transaction Processing building called the emergency services and it is thought they arrived moments before the sight of an explosion.

A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 3.08pm on Wednesday, June 7, Thames Valley Fire Control Service received reports of a car fire at Sapphire Plaza, Watlington Street, Reading.

"A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crew from Caversham Road Fire Station was sent to the scene.

"Two firefighters in breathing apparatus used one hose reel to extinguish the fire. They were at the scene until 3.39pm."

South Central Ambulance confirmed no injuries were incurred as a result of the blaze.