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72 firefighters tackle blaze at block of flats in Bethnal Green, London

Whole of third-floor flat alight, London Fire Brigade says

Jon Sharman
Saturday 24 June 2017 13:46 EDT
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Fire at block of flats in Bethnal Green, London

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Seventy-two firefighters were sent to tackle a flat fire in east London.

One person was treated for smoke inhalation, according to police, after flames engulfed a third-floor flat in Bethnal Green on Saturday afternoon.

Footage from bystanders showed huge flames bursting through the windows of the building as smoke billowed into the sky.

The roof was also "completely damaged", London Fire Brigade told The Independent, as video from the scene showed flames rising through it.

The service said: "Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters and officers are tackling a flat fire on Turin Street in Bethnal Green.

"The whole of a flat on the third floor and roof is also alight. The brigade's 999 control took nearly 50 calls.

"The brigade was called at 4.25pm. Firefighters from Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage."

The blaze was under control by 7.30pm.

Tower Hamlets police said: "Police were called by the London Fire Brigade at 4.34pm pn Saturday, 24 June, to reports of a fire at a block of flats Dickinson House, E2.

"Officers, the LFB and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) are currently at the scene.

"One person (no further details) has been treated by the LAS for smoke inhalation. Local road closures are in place."

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