High rise blaze in London being tackled by 80 firefighters

A terrifying blaze has broken out in a high rise block of flats in east London, consuming almost an entire floor.

Eighty firefighters and 12 engines are tackling the fire that has consumed most of the 15th floor of a 24-storey tower block in Shadwell, in the capital. Locals are advised to keep their windows shut as it is not yet clear what caused the blaze and there are no reports of any injuries at this time.

People are asked to avoid the blaze and a 64 metre long ladder is being used as apart of the emergency efforts. A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade (LFB) said: "Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters are tackling a fire on Hindmarsh Close in Shadwell. Most of a 15th floor flat in a 24-storey block of flats is alight. The Brigade's 64 metre turntable ladder has been called to help fight the fire from height.

Most of the 14th floor of the tower block went up in flames (skz.1505/Instagram)

Firefighters received over 60 calls over the blaze (skz.1505/Instagram)

"People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and road closures are in place in the area. The Brigade's 999 Control Officers have received more than 65 calls about the fire.

"The Brigade was called at 1216. Crews from Shadwell, Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Dockhead, Millwall and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time."

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Videos taken from the scene shows black smoke spewing out the flat just over half way up the tower block. On the ground people can be seen looking on horrified as some flames are visible. However, since reports suggest that the blaze has been brought under control before it could spread to the rest of the tower block.

This was later confirmed by LFB who said that most of the 15th floor was alight. A respite centre has been set up for those locally affected. After first being alerted to the blaze at 12:16pm this afternoon, it took firefighters just over an hour to bring it under control by 13:26pm.

Over 65 calls were made to emergency services which allowed them to relay "vital survival guidance to a number of residents". Around 40 people left the building before firefighters arrived whilst another 20 people were led to safety by firefighters.

The fire brigade at the scene of the blaze (LFB)

Station Commander Steve Irvine, who is at the scene, said: "A respite centre has been set up locally for those who have been affected by the fire and we are working with local partners. Road closures remain in place in the area and we'd ask that people continue to avoid the area at this time."

The cause of the fire is now under investigation.