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Dozens of firefighters battled for more than two hours after a blaze broke out in Brick Lane.

Nearly 60 firefighters and eight engines were sent to the scene after flames erupted at about 2.30pm on Monday.

The fire spread to three floors of an empty office building which was being refurbished.

Three people fled the building before emergency services arrived.

Designer Jamie Milestone, 33, who works nearby, told the Standard: "I smelt a bit of smoke, opened the door, and saw a big fire coming out of the window.

"The window collapsed and it was getting more dangerous so I got out. It just looked like it could potentially spread, it was pretty strong."

London Fire Brigade said the parts of the roof and the first, second and third floors had caught on fire.

The flames were brought under control at about 5pm.

Station manager Clive Robinson, who was at the scene, said: "The fire affected three floors and part of the building's roof and our crews worked extremely hard to get it under control and to stop the fire from spreading to any adjoining properties."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.