Dozens of firefighters have descended on the scene of a blaze near a synagogue in north London this evening.
Footage circulating on social media shows plumes of smoke rising from a building on Cazenove Road in Stamford Hill.
More than a dozen fire engines from stations across north London rushed to the scene on Thursday shortly after 4pm.
A large police cordon has been established blocking access to the road, and emergency services remain at the scene.
Video footage shows bystanders – some of which appear to be dressed in Jewish garments – watching on in horror.
Jewish neighbourhood watch organisation Shomrim said the fire erupted near a place of worship.
The Metropolitan Police, who helped to evacuate nearby homes and the synagogue, is ‘keeping an eye open’ as to what could have caused the fire.
It is not yet known whether anyone suffered injuries.
A statement released by the London Fire Brigade read: ‘Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a property on Cazenove Road in Stamford Hill.
Dozens of firefighters have descended on the scene of a blaze near a synagogue in north London this evening
Footage circulating on social media shows plumes of smoke rising from a building on Cazenove Road in Stamford Hill
Firefighters and police remain at the scene this evening
‘The Brigade took the first of over 40 calls at 1614 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Stoke Newington, Islington, Walthamstow and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
‘People are advised to avoid the area at this time whilst firefighters work to bring the fire under control.’
This is a breaking news story, more to follow.
