A large warehouse fire has forced the closure of a major route in north London, threatening to cause severe rush-hour disruption on Wednesday.

The blaze at a commercial building on the North Circular in Neasden halted traffic on the ring road in both directions between Neasden Lane North and Staples Corner, where the key route meets the M1, in the early hours of Wednesday.

Transport for London (TfL) said the M1 had also been closed southbound at the interchange and urged motorists to use alternative routes.

Firefighters are working hard to bring the #Neasden warehouse blaze under control. Part of the A406 is closed eastbound & the Staples Corner Flyover is also closed westbound https://t.co/l2r0C4GxK9 pic.twitter.com/CH0XiU0Kgf — London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) May 15, 2019

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters were tackling the fire on the first floor of a nearby warehouse, while the Metropolitan police had sent officers to the scene.

Scotland Yard tweeted: “We’re assisting @LondonFire at a warehouse fire on the A406 in #Neasden, Road closures likely to severely affect North Circ Rd, Staples Corner and other key routes into morning rush hour. Drivers should avoid the area.”

LFB tweeted: “Ten fire engines & around 70 firefighters are tackling a blaze in a commercial building on North Circular Road in #Neasden. Half of the first floor is alight.”