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Huge plumes of smoke were seen rising over central London this afternoon after a fire broke out near the BBC's headquarters.

Dozens of people posted pictures on Twitter of thick black smoke billowing up from the scene in Great Portland Street.

The London Fire Brigade said the blaze was in the lift motor room of a building which is being refurbished.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 12.22pm.

A spokesman for the LFB said: "Four fire engines and 20 firefighters attended a fire at a building on Great Portland Street.

"It was very visible and we've taken 35 999 calls.

"The fire was in the lift motor room on the roof. The cause is not known at this stage."

BBC presenter Jeremy Vine was among those taking to Twitter to share images, saying it was near to his radio studio.

Suddenly see FIRE outside my studio @BBCRadio2 - roof, Great Titchfield Street? pic.twitter.com/B72AhY0qqa — Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) April 17, 2015

The BBC's Broadcasting House is in nearby Portland Place, while the BBC stations Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music are based in Great Portland Street.

Firefighters received praise on social media, with Anna Appleton tweeting: "Good work from @LondonFire - fire on #greatportlandstreet under control very quickly after they arrived."

The blaze was extinguished an hour after firefighters were first called.