‘Loud bangs and explosions’ have been heard near the O2 as videos show huge plumes of smoke pouring into the air, terrifying residents – before it was confirmed that it was a film set.
Videos from the scene showed flames and huge black clouds swirling above the London venue.
London Fire Brigade have said that they are responding to reports of a fire – and could not confirm whether or not it was a film crew. They added that four pumping appliances were on the scene.
A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed it was a ‘pre-planned filming event in the Canning Town area’, and there is no risk to the public.
The blaze appeared to have broken out in warehouses on the Isle of Dogs – across the river from the iconic venue.
But horrified locals – who were unaware of what was going on – took to social media to share their worry.
Lauren Gregory said that it was a ‘relief’ that the huge bangs and smoke were from a film set.
She told MailOnline: ‘It was quite scary as the explosions were very loud and the smoke appeared quickly with more explosions heard shortly after with no one knowing what was going on.’
‘Loud bangs and explosions’ have been heard near the O2 as videos show huge plumes of smoke pouring into the air
Christopher Golds, added: ‘Some sort of huge explosion in East London on the opposite side of the Thames to the O2. Emergency services already there.’
Another, Sasha Stolp, said: ‘There has just been a series of explosions opposite the O2.’
And Valley Fontaine posted: ‘What were those two loud bangs and black smoke near O2?’
This is a breaking story. More to follow.