'The whole roof was orange, engulfed in flames'

London Fire Brigade said the roof of the block of flats was destroyed

Around 100 people are unable to return to their homes after a fire broke out at a block of flats in south London on Wednesday evening.

The London Fire Brigade sent 100 firefighters to tackle the blaze at the five-storey building on Maysoule Road, Battersea.

Speaking to BBC London, one eye-witness said: "I saw a massive cloud of smoke.

"Next minute it was like the whole roof was orange, like engulfed, literally engulfed in flames. It's just sad, everyone's just lost their home."

A significant part of the building, including the roof, were destroyed but no-one was seriously hurt, the fire service said.

Wandsworth Council has said it has arranged temporary accommodation for the affected residents.

An eyewitness said the roof was orange with flames

One of the residents, Isabel Lubeiro said: "I heard the doorbell ringing and the door banging, and I look outside my front window of my living room and I see fire reflected on the building's windows opposite mine.

"I opened my door and my neighbour said 'fire, fire upstairs'. I took my phone which was near me, my house keys, my jacket and I forgot my glasses and I ran downstairs.

"I crossed over with firemen on the way down and then I came out and I saw the fire coming out of the window really violently."

Isabel Lubeiro said a neighbour came to her door to tell her about the fire

She and her son also spoke of their relief that no-one was hurt.

"It's fine, everyone's fine I think. So our neighbours are okay?

"Everyone's good, everyone made it out. It's just the belongings I guess. We are okay."

The fire brigade said: "Two of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used as water towers to help extinguish the fire from height.

"Around 150 people were evacuated from the building by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus, no injuries have been reported."

The brigade also said two firefighters were hurt, but not seriously.

Firefighters used a large ladder to tackle flames from above

Wandsworth Council has said the safety and security of residents who have had to leave their homes is its "top priority".

The council added: "We ensured everyone who had to evacuate had a place to stay, including through council-arranged emergency accommodation.

"We will continue to work closely with residents to ensure they have appropriate arrangements in place at this difficult time.

"A support hub at York Gardens Library has been set up with council teams in place to support residents."

The council has also asked the local community to "refrain from donating clothing and other items as everything is being coordinated through the council so that we can ensure residents get the support they need".