Firefighters tackle blaze in central London

MORE than 40 firefighers were battling a huge blaze in a busy City office district this afternoon.

Scores of workers were evacuated from surrounding buildings by police amid fears that gas cylinders close to the blaze could explode.

Eight fire engines and over 40 firefighters were sent to the blaze, which broke out at around 3.30pm.

A spokeswoman for the fire brigade said: "Initial
reports are that the sixth floor of the office building is alight."

"It's not believed that anyone is inside the building, we think it may currently be undergoing refurbishment."

The blaze is thought to have centred on the Breams Buildings off Chancery Lane.

A column of thick black smoke could be seen rising above the busy area, where various legal practices are based.

A City police spokeswoman said: "Police have cordoned off the area and began evacuating premises between Chancery Lane, Fetter Lane and New Fetter Lane."