Huge blaze at block of flats as column of smoke seen across London

A huge fire tore through a block of flats in east London last night forcing an emergency evacuation, as one resident was led to safety.

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters raced to the scene near Mount Pleasant Lane in Clapton just after 8pm.

Drone footage shows thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as crews swarm the area .

Striking drone footage captures the scale of the inferno, as smoke could be seen for miles, in areas such as Elephant and Castle and Walworth.

Crews carried out a search of the building and brought at least one resident to safety, London Fire Brigade said.

They were assessed by emergency services at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

As of 7.30am this morning, the fire had been brought under control, but the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

There have been no reports of casualties.

Station Commander Tom Sharp, who has been at the scene, said: "The fire was producing a significant amount of smoke.

“We advised people in the local area to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke travel.

This advice has now been lifted.

"A rest centre has been set up locally for around 20 residents impacted by this fire.

“We have officers and our Community Engagement team working alongside the local authority and other partner agencies to support these residents."
A 32-metre turntable ladder was also in attendance.

The fire was brought under control by 11pm last night.