Major fire breaks out in Hackney in east London

A major fire in a row of shops on a city street in east London is being dealt with by 10 fire engines.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on Yorkton Street in Hackney, east London, at around 1pm on Monday.

A man was taken to hospital by ambulance with burns and smoke inhalation, London Ambulance Service said.

Police have closed off the road and are urging pedestrians to keep away from the scene.

Local residents were also asked to keep windows and doors closed as thick black smoke billowed from the fire.

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: “Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters and officers are tackling a fire at a range of shops on Yorkton Street in Hackney.

“Thick black smoke from the fire can be seen from miles and residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed, if affected.

"Firefighters from Soho, Islington, Holloway, Shoreditch, Homerton, Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Tottenham and Poplar fire stations are at the scene.

“The brigade was called at 1.01pm. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.”

PA