The moment the temple roof bursts into flame

SMOKE billowing across London’s East End brought the community out in shock when a blaze swept through the Gudwara Sikh temple in Bow this afternoon. East London Advertiser reader Wenton Moore took dramatic pictures from his fourth-floor flat before emergency crews arrived

SMOKE billowing across London's East End brought the community out in shock when a blaze swept through the Gudwara Sikh temple in Bow this afternoon.

ABOVE: East London Advertiser reader Wenton Moore took these pictures from his fourth-floor flat just off the Bow Road.

ABOVE: Flames tear through the roof of the two-storey sangat in Harley Grove, seen from the rear at the height of the blaze before emergency crews arrived.

BELOW: The billowing smoke engulfs neighbouring streets around Harley Grove before firefighters could put out the blaze.

Many worshippers arriving from all over London to witness the blaze were close to tears watching the flames sweep through the upper floor of the ornately decorated building.

Ten emergency crews were mobilised when the fire broke out at 2.10pm on the first floor. They used thermal-imaging cameras to search for anyone still inside the two-storey house of worship, but the building was clear.

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Please email the East London Advertiser or call the Newsdesk on 020-7791 7799 if you were at the scene or took any pictures.

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