Erith fire: Thick smoke billows into sky as flames engulf two tonnes of rubbish in south-east London

Thick black smoke billowed into the sky after two tonnes of rubbish erupted into flames near homes in south-east London.

The rubbish and a number of derelict boats went up in flames shortly before 10am on Tuesday.

Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters raced to the scene in Manor Road, Erith.

Some gas cylinders, which can explode when exposed to heat, were exposed and as a result a large area was cordoned off, the London Fire Brigade said.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman added: "There is a huge amount of smoke in the local area and we'd advise any residents nearby affected to close their doors and windows.

"Fire crews from Erith, Bexley, Plumstead, Dagenham and surrounding stations are at the scene."

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.