Huge plumes of smoke rise from new build flats after fire in central London

London Fire Brigade is asking people to avoid Canning Town as a fire rips through a building.

The building involved, near Silvertown Way, is currently under construction.

LFB say there are 10 fire engines and about 70 firefighters on the scene.

The brigade is asking people to avoid the area while they fight the fire.

A spokesperson for the brigade said: ‘Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are responding to a fire near Silvertown Way in Canning Town.

‘The fire is located in a construction site. One of the Brigade’s 64m ladder has been deployed to the scene.

One witness spotted the smoke while taking part in an NHS fundraising steps challenge for Spark Communications (Picture: @A_LloydWilliams)

Thick smoke is pouring into the sky (Picture: @TrisCoach)

The building on fire is under construction (Picture: @TrisCoach)

‘People are advised avoid the area as crews respond.’

Luke Robert Black, who saw the fire, said: ‘There appeared to be two fires emerging from two of the unfinished buildings at Canning Town.

‘The police had cleared Silvertown Way and there was a few fire engines – but didn’t see any ambulances and the police were still letting people through to get to the tube.

‘Thankfully doesn’t look like it has affected the completed buildings towards Morrisons.

‘Area was all really calm and despite it being rush hour I think the police did a good job of keeping everyone moving.’

The A1011 Silvertown Way is a busy road through east London and it’s been closed between the A13 Canning Town Flyover and Hallsville Road.

Part of the road has been blocked off by several fire engines, and several passersby were seen stopping to watch or take pictures or videos of the smoke pouring into the sky.

The fire is located in an area of significant construction, with several cranes in place and hoardings at street level.

There are a number of London Underground stations nearby, likely busy thanks to the morning commute, with Canning Town, Custom House and Royal Victoria stations in the vicinity.

Bus routes 147, 330 and 474 all pass by the area and they have been diverted to avoid the fire.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said no injuries have been reported so far.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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