London Forest Gate police station on fire as smoke seen rising from roof

A spokesperson from the London Fire Brigade said in a statement: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters are attending a building fire on Romford Road in Forest Gate."

Bus routes in the area have been diverted while crews tackle the blaze.

Locals near the fire at Forest Gate Police Station have been told by the London Fire Brigade to keep their windows closed.

A spokesperson for LFB said: "The fire is producing large amounts of smoke and people in the local area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed."

The 25, 86, 330, and 425 buses are being diverted.

An eyewitness told MyLondon: "[The] police station had suddenly caught fire at around 4pm, with the blaze going on for around 40 minutes before the fire brigade began putting out the flames. Whole situation is surreal hope everyone is okay." (sic)

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A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Thirty fire engines and around 175 firefighters are currently tackling a fire on Romford Road in Forest Gate. The roof of a police station is completely alight.

"The fire is producing large amounts of smoke and people in the local area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

"Road closures are in place and people are advised to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing.

"Three of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders and one of the Brigade's 64-metre turntable ladders are at the scene. They are being used to attack the fire from height."

A spokesperson from the Met Police said: "The building has been evacuated.

"We are not aware of any injuries or people trapped in the building. Road closures are in place at the scene."