AN inferno today broke out in a London tower block with 80 firefighters rushed to battle the blaze.
Shocking photos showed black smoke billowing into the sky above the city.
Flames could be seen leaping from the block of flats as they ripped through a floor about halfway up the building.
Videos and photos posted on social media by onlookers showed the inferno could be seen from miles away.
The London Fire Brigade said the blaze erupted on the 14th floor of the 24-storey building - with most of the level up in smoke.
There were 12 fire engines and 80 firefighters trying to get the inferno under control at the peak of the blaze - which the brigade said it got more than 65 calls about.
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The cause of the fire remained unknown, crews said.
Ambulances were raced to the scene but it is not believed anybody was injured.
Crews were first called around 12noon, and had the fire under control around 2pm.
The brigade said: "Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters are tackling a fire on Hindmarsh Close in Shadwell.
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"Most of a 14th-floor flat in a 24-storey block of flats is alight.
"The Brigade's 64-metre turntable ladder has been called to help fight the fire from height.
"People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and road closures are in place in the area.
"The Brigade's 999 Control Officers have received more than 65 calls about the fire.
"The Brigade was called at 1216. Crews from Shadwell, Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Dockhead, Millwall and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
"The cause of the fire is unknown at this time."
Station Commander Steve Irvine, who is at the scene, said he did not believe anybody had been injured in the blaze.
He said: "A respite centre has been set up locally for those who have been affected by the fire and we are working with local partners.
"Road closures remain in place in the area and we'd ask that people continue to avoid the area at this time."
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We were called today at 12.46pm to reports of a fire on Hindmarsh Close, E1.
“We have sent a number of resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an incident response officer and members of our hazardous area response team.
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“Our first medics arrived in less than five minutes.
“The incident is ongoing and we are working with our emergency services partners.”
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