A beautiful pub in London has caught fire, with huge plumes of smoke billowing in the sky, as fire crews desperately try to save the historic building.
The pub in Mitcham, reported to be the Burn Bullock Pub, is engulfed in flames and firefighters have battled through the evening to get the blaze under control, after it broke out around 7.30pm.
A statement from London Fire Brigade (LFB) read: “Half of the ground, first and second floors of a derelict pub are alight. Part of the roof is also alight.
“One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders is being used at the scene as a water tower. The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken 33 calls to the blaze.
“The Brigade was called at 7.29pm. Fire crews from Norbury, Wimbledon, Tooting and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.”
A cordon has been put in place around the scene to keep the area safe, and around 80 firefighters and 12 fire engines are on the scene of the blaze in London Road.
According to the LFB control room, operators have received around 33 calls about the fire. Footage from the scene shows huge orange flames emerging from the roof and through the windows, while grey and black smoke rise into the air.
Locals are also being warned to keep windows closed as a ‘significant amount of smoke’ is being produced.
LFB added: “Firefighters are making steady progress.”
There is a partial road closure in place from Chatsworth Place to A239 Cricket Green, and those heading in that direction have been warned to avoid the scene.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
