A fire in a block of flats set most of an upper floor ablaze as smoke plumes were spotted by concerned residents.

Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters tackled a fire in Hindmarsh Close in Shadwell, after being called at 12.16pm today (September 20).

Most of the 14th floor in a 24-storey block of flats was alight, the London Fire Bridgade (LFB) said.

Station commander Steve Irvine said: "A respite centre has been set up locally for those who have been affected by the fire and we are working with local partners.

"Road closures remain in place in the area and we'd ask that people continue to avoid the area at this time."

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LFB received more than 65 calls about the fire, which was brought under control by 1.26pm.

People were advised to keep windows and doors closed while LFB officers worked to extinguish it.

Crews from Shadwell, Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Dockhead, Millwall and surrounding fire stations have attended.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.