“The cause of the fire is under investigation"
BBC reports that two people have been rescued from a fire at a restaurant in London Chinatown.
The London Fire Brigade were called to Gerrard place at 0839 local time where a fire had spread across the first and second floors of the restaurant.
Smoke billowed into the sky and was visible through much of Soho. Firefighters fought the blaze for three hours.
Two were rescued by fire crews who led down an internal staircase. Four others had escaped from the building before the fire fighters arrived.
Restaurant owner Peter Ren said his restaurant would be closed “for months”. No one was injured.
Images of the fire seen from various parts of London were shared on social media.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Part of the first and second floor and part of the roof of the end of terrace building were alight.
“Four people left the property before the Brigade arrived and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led a further two people to safety via an internal staircase. There are no reports of any injuries.
“The Brigade was called at 8.39am and the fire was under control by 11.28am. Fire crews from Soho, Euston, Lambeth, Paddington and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
Big fire in Chinatown in Soho, London. Picture from @MDKtm. pic.twitter.com/2YbN6q50pT
— Simon Jones (@SimonJonesNews) 22 September 2019
Significant fire in #Chinatown. V close to @SohoFire, looks like they have it under control now, though still work to do. Reminder that we’re blessed with our emergency services. Grateful! pic.twitter.com/jLwUOnhVcW
— Andrew Murray (@stateofsoho) 22 September 2019
View across the Newport Square #sohofire pic.twitter.com/QPFvNuZMoB
— Guy of Gisborne (@GisborneOf) 22 September 2019