Westfield Stratford shoppers have been evacuated as firefighters work to tackle a huge blaze.
One of the shopping centre’s multi-storey car parks on Montfichet Road in Stratford, east London went up in flames on Saturday afternoon.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters rushed to the scenes and with a 32-metre turntable ladder began working on the inferno on the upper level of car park where smoke was seen billowing up in to the sky.
London Fire Brigade has advised people to avoid the area.
Emergency services confirmed a vehicle had caught fire on one of the upper floors.
A spokesperson said: ‘The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke and we’re advising people to avoid the area at this time.
‘The Brigade received the first of 35 calls at 1605 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Stratford, Poplar, Leystonstone and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
‘A 32-metre turntable ladder is also attending to help assist firefighters with extinguishing the fire.’
Pictures how the blaze at the multi-storey car park at Westfield Stratford – with smoke clouds filling the air while concerned shoppers wander past
Firefighters have been tackling the blaze which i producing huge smoke clouds – locals and visitors have been warned to stay away from the area
The large blaze erupted just an hour and a half before the Premier League clash between West Ham and Tottenham at London stadium – a match which is expected to be a volatile with fans recently banned from wearing half and half scarves.
Pictures and videos on social media show large black clouds of smoke creeping out of the top of the car park and filling the sky as shoppers and football fans look on in concern.
This is a breaking news story. more to follow.
