Firefighters tackle huge blaze at 20-storey block of flats in London

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

More than 125 firefighters are tackling a fire at a block of flats in east London. Footage appeared to show thick plumes of smoke barrelling out of the top floor windows of the building on Manwood Street in the north Woolwich docklands.

Eyewitnesses near the 17-storey block also reported seeing flames. Firefighters are simultaneously tackling a blaze involving around one hectare of grass opposite the block, which is close to London City Airport.

The tower block of flats which is currently on fire is believed to be Dunedin House, North Woolwich. The block of flats is 20 stories high and the fire brigade have said the blaze started on the 17th floor, reports My London.

The London Ambulance Service are currently on scene, but there's been no details as yet on any injuries. In a statement, the London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We have sent a number of resources to the scene, including advanced paramedics and our hazardous area response team."

It is not known what caused either fire. A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “The brigade’s 999 control officers have taken more than 105 calls to the blaze.

“The brigade was called at 1249. Fire crews from Shadwell, Dowgate, Dockhead, Shoreditch and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.”

London Ambulance Service said: “We have sent a number of resources to the scene, including advanced paramedics and our hazardous area response team.”

It comes a day after the UK recorded its hottest ever temperatures, and saw firefighters face their busiest day since the Second World War.

The latest figures from the Met Office showed a new record high temperature for Scotland, of 35.1C, seen at Floors Castle in Roxburghshire on