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Firefighters have tackled a massive blaze at a tower block of flats in Shepherd's Bush, west London, as plumes of thick smoke could be seen across the city today.

More than 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines extinguished the flames as they ripped through the 18-storey building and at least two people have been treated by paramedics.

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated to a nearby community hall while people have reportedly rallied round with supplies from a nearby supermarket.

Horror photos showing thick plumes of smoke billowing out of the tower block began to emerge on social media - along with others showing bright orange flames roaring out of the building - as the fire took hold at about 3.45pm.

The London Fire Brigade, which received 40 emergency calls, said the blaze affected part of the seventh, eighth and ninth floors.

Crews managed to get the blaze under control by about 5.30pm but have remained at the site damping down the fire.

The cause is not yet known and the fire service says it's under investigation.

(Image: Col H./Twitter) (Image: Twitter@criolacv)

Charecroft Estate resident's association tweeted to say that the fire was out and that there was 'no reports of injuries', however the full extent is yet to be confirmed.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council said it is working with London Fire Brigade to set up rest areas and housing for those affected.

Meanwhile staff from a nearby supermarket reportedly donated supplies to evacuated residents.

Rachel Leighton tweeted: "Massive THANK YOU to staff from Hammersmith @Tesco for donating to residents evacuated by the #shepherdsbush fire in @Charecroft".

The fire broke out in a block of flats close to the Westfield White City shopping centre and dozens of stunned shoppers stopped to watch.

Shepherd's Bush Tube station was closed as the emergency operation got underway, causing severe delays to the Friday evening rush hour, before reopening just before 7pm.

(Image: Amy Ruffell/Twitter)

(Image: Twitter@liam_Twormey https://twitter.com/liam_twomey)

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: "Twenty fire engines and 120 firefighters and officers have been called to a fire in a high rise block of flats on Shepherds Court in Shepherds Bush Green.

"Smoke from the blaze can be seen across the area and 999 control officers have taken over 40 emergency calls to the incident.

(Image: Jasq/Twitter)

"The Brigade was called at 1544. Crews from Hammersmith, Kensington, Acton, Chiswick, Paddington and Fulham fire stations are at the scene.

"The cause of the fire is not known at this stage."

Natasha Wills, Assistant Director of Operations at London Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 4:01pm to reports of a fire at an address in Shepherds Bush.

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"We sent multiple resources including ambulance crews, single responders in cars, our hazardous area response team and an incident response officer.

"We have treated two patients on scene, but they were not taken to hospital.

"We remain at the scene."