FIRE crews searched through a blazing building in breathing apparatus for people reported trapped inside. But they found no-one as they went from room to room through thick smoke at the deserted Hope and Anchor pub at West Ferry Road in Millwall, Isle of Dogs

FIRE crews searched through a blazing building in breathing apparatus for people reported trapped inside.

But they found no-one as they went from room to room through thick smoke at the deserted Hope and Anchor pub at West Ferry Road in Millwall, Isle of Dogs.

“Passers-by who raised the alarm said there were people inside,” said a senior fire officer.

“We had to search all the floors through the smoke, but thankfully they must have got out in time if there was anyone inside.”

Up to 20 firefighters were tackling the mystery blaze which broke out on the second floor of the former dockers’ pub next to the new Millwall fire station. It took an hour to bring under control.

The alarm was raised by a passer-by ringing the fire station front doorbell.

But crews had to be called in from as far as Shadwell, Bethnal Green and Greenwich. An 80ft aerial ladder was also brought in to tackle flames that broke through the roof and leapt 50ft into the air.

Police closed off West Ferry Road for two hours, resulting in heavy traffic congestion leading onto the Isle of Dogs up till midnight. Investigations are looking into the cause of the suspicious fire. No-one was hurt.