London crews battle 'suspicious' blaze

The whole of the first floor and roof of the Poundland discount store has been destroyed. Photo:...
The whole of the first floor and roof of the Poundland discount store has been destroyed. Photo: Reuters

London fire crews are tackling a huge blaze at a discount store in the eastern part of the city that is believed to be suspicious.

The London Fire Brigade said 15 fire engines and 97 firefighters and officers were sent to the blaze on Wednesday (local time).

The whole of the first floor and roof of a Poundland discount store in Chingford had been gutted, but there were no injuries.

"Firefighters are working hard to contain the fire and stop it from spreading," Station Manager Danny Meakin said. 

"Crews will be at the scene throughout the night damping down pockets of fire.

"A mother and daughter in an adjacent flat saw smoke and evacuated the property unhurt."

The website of the London Evening Standard quoted police as saying an investigation had been launched.

"At this early stage, the fire is being treated as suspicious. Three suspects were seen to leave the area soon after the fire started," a police spokesman said. 

Police said homes nearby were evacuated.

 

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