The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it sent 10 fire engines, including an aerial appliance, to the incident, while witnesses described seeing "lots of ambulances" racing to the scene.

Crews from across central and north London fought to contain the blaze, which was "highly visible across the area", for around three hours.

Station manager David Reid, who was at the scene, said: "Crews worked hard to get the fire under control and to stop it from spreading to neighbouring buildings."