Forest Gate Police Station fire goes on as Sadiq Khan issues urgent statement

06 March 2024 , 17:40

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Forest Gate Police Station fire goes on as Sadiq Khan issues urgent statement

A fire has broken out at Forest Gate Police station in East London as flames have been seen pouring out of the roof.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson has confirmed 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters are tackling the blaze on the third floor of the building on Romford Road. Road closures have been put in place due to the blaze and buses 5, 86, 330, and 425 have been diverted.

Emergency services were first called at 4.17pm and firefighters from Stratford, Leytonstone, Plaistow, and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene. The Metropolitan Police said the building has been evacuated and no injuries have been reported.

Firefighters are battling to contain the blaze (UKNIP)

The cause of the fire is not yet known. People living in the area have been told to keep their windows closed as the fire is producing large amounts of smoke.

An eyewitness said: "[The] police station had suddenly caught fire at around 4pm, with the blaze going on for around 40 minutes before the fire brigade began putting out the flames. Whole situation is surreal hope everyone is okay."

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The roof of Forest Gate Police station is alight (Marcin Nowak/LNP)

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, wrote on X, formerly called Twitter: "London Fire Brigade are currently dealing with a fire at Forest Gate Police Station. I am in close contact with the Fire Commissioner.Avoid the area and keep windows/doors closed. Road closures are in place at the scene."

The Metropolitan Police told The Mirror: "London Fire Brigade are currently dealing with a fire at Forest Gate Police Station on the third floor of the building. The building has been evacuated.

The London Fire Brigade said firefighters are likely to continue working during the night (UKNIP)

"We are not aware of any injuries or people trapped in the building. Road closures are in place at the scene." The London Fire Brigade said firefighters will likely be carrying out operations into the night.

The LFB said in a statement: "Thirty fire engines and around 175 firefighters are currently tackling a fire on Romford Road in Forest Gate. The roof of a police station is completely alight. The fire is producing large amounts of smoke and people in the local area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

People have been advised to keep their windows closed due to the smoke (Marcin Nowak/LNP)

"Road closures are in place and people are advised to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing. Three of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders and one of the Brigade's 64-metre turntable ladders are at the scene.

"The Brigade was called at 1617. Firefighters from Stratford, Leytonstone, Plaistow and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet known."

Chiara Fiorillo