Fire crews tackle central London blaze

Around 40 firefighters are tackling a fire in central London, with smoke seen spreading across the capital’s skyline.

Crews were called to a fire at a mixed-use building near Tottenham Street at 07:43 GMT on Thursday, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Six fire engines are in attendance.

The LFB urged people to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke.

BBC reporter Gem O’Reilly, at the scene, described the smell of the smoke as “horrendous” and “like burning chemicals”.

One local resident added that it was a “toxic and acrid” smell.

There is a heavy presence of ambulances, and at least one person has been seen by paramedics.

The LFB said half of the ground floor of the building is alight.

The brigade is using one of its 32m turntable ladders to help fight the fire from above.

Crews from Soho, Euston, Islington and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, the LFB said.