An investigation has begun after 20 flats were destroyed by a six-storey fire in east London.

A further 10 flats in De Pass Gardens, Barking, were damaged by heat and smoke.

London Fire Brigade tweeted on Sunday afternoon that the "ground floor to the sixth floor are alight", before saying the fire was "under control" shortly after 6pm.

About 100 firefighters have been tackling a fire at a block of flats in east London.

Image: London Fire Brigade said six floors were alight. Pic: Twitter/@LondonFire

A man and a woman were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.

It is not yet known what caused the fire.


About 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were called in, homes were evacuated and roads closed to the public.

London Ambulance Service put "crews on standby", sent its hazardous area response team and dispatched an air ambulance.

London Fire Brigade called in crews from Barking, Dagenham, East Ham and surrounding fire stations.

Evacuated residents were advised to go to Thames View Community Centre on Bastable Road.

Image: Firefighters said the blaze was under control shortly after 6pm. Pic: Twitter/@LondonFire

A spokesman for the L&Q Group, which oversaw a regeneration project in east London, said: "This property was built by a private company and is now owned by a private landlord.

"As we have a large presence in the area, we have arranged for staff to open up our local office so we can assist residents."