Firefighters tackle major blaze in east London

UK firefighters were today dealing with a major blaze in an industrial area of east London.

The fire in Stratford created a huge pall of smoke over the city.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said there were no reports of an explosion. Local police were responding and there had been a large number of 999 calls.

London Fire Brigade said firefighters were dealing with the blaze in Waterden Road following the first call at 12.06pm.

The fire is in the part of London where extensive redevelopment is taking place for the 2012 Olympics.

Businesses in the road have been re-located recently to enable preparations for the Games to take place.

The high-speed Channel Tunnel rail link runs nearby.

A Network Rail spokesman said the North London rail line had been closed between Dalston and Stratford because of the smoke affecting Hackney Wick station. Passengers were advised to consult national rail inquiries before beginning their journeys.

A Eurostar spokesman said the incident was not affecting the new High Speed One line, which will begin carrying European services on Wednesday.

The fire brigade said 15 engines and 75 firefighters were now attending the blaze at the single-storey warehouse.