A fire in a Deptford block of flats, which burned for five hours, was brought under control last night by 80 firefighters.

The fire broke out on the sixth floor and spread onto the roof causing plumes of smoke which could be seen across London. The cause of the fire currently unknown.

A dozen fire engines and around 80 firefighters from several local fire stations including New Cross, Greenwich, Old Kent Road, and Lewisham were sent to the scene on Childers Street at 7.26 pm after receiving 34 calls about the fire.

The firefighters evacuated the entire block safely and the blaze was brought under control at 12:28 am on Thursday.

Footage filmed by local residents was uploaded online showing the flames on the roof and the billowing smoke. 

Other videos showed the firefighters using an aerial lift to tackle the fire.

Emma Carr, station commander who was at the scene, said: “Two people left the affected flat and firefighters evacuated the rest of the block as a precaution due to the amount of smoke.”

There are currently no reports of any injuries.