Six fire engines from across London arrived at a burning unoccupied nursery school in Hackney yesterday, according to a statement released by the London Fire Brigade.

The six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters fought a fire in the basement of the day care centre on Wilde Close.  

The engines were dispatched after a call was made to the Fire Brigade at 11.48. Engines have been sent from Shoreditch, Homerton and Islington, Stoke Newington and Poplar.  

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

Andy Common, eyewitness, told Eastlondonlines: “I have no idea what happened… I saw about 10 vehicles, 5 of which fire engines, plus a command unit. There was a lot of smoke.” 

Updates to follow 

Clara Hill