Six Fire Engines and Around 40 Firefighters Responded to the Blaze, Which Began Shortly Before 8Am, With Part of the Building's Roof Alight

A cordon remains in place on Hackney Road after a fire broke out at a shop with flats above it in east London on Monday morning, forcing residents to evacuate. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters responded to the blaze, which began shortly before 8am, with part of the building's roof alight. A 32-metre turntable ladder was used as a water tower to tackle flames from height.

The fire was brought under control by 8:47am, but smoke was visible from several miles away. Officials said decking at the rear of an apartment appeared to have caught fire. The cause is under investigation.

Road closures remain in both directions between Shoreditch High Street and Cremer Street, and people are advised to avoid the area. The first of 40 calls was received at 7:53am, with crews sent from Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Soho, Dowgate and surrounding stations. Metropolitan Police were also on scene.

"The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 40 calls to the fire at 7:53am and sent crews from Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Soho, Dowgate and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 8:47am. “The cause of the fire is under investigation.”"