Chinatown fire: Smoke billows into sky as firefighters battle huge blaze at restaurant in Soho

About 80 firefighters battled a huge blaze at a restaurant in London’s Chinatown this morning.

Twelve fire engines were called to the scene in Gerrard Street, Soho, shortly after 8.30am.

Images posted on social media show thick black smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters fought for three hours to get the inferno under control.

Plumes of smoke could be seen for miles across the capital.

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.”