Poundland in Penge goes up in flames

Firefighters brought the blaze under control shortly before 09:00 BST

A large fire at a Poundland shop in south-east London has destroyed a building and caused significant disruption.

Fifteen engines and 100 firefighters were called to the scene at about 04:30 BST after part of the two-storey terraced shop caught alight on High Street in Penge.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said a large section of the ground floor went up in flames.

About 25 people in neighbouring buildings were evacuated to a rest centre, locals were urged to keep windows and doors shut to keep smoke out, and the High Street remains closed.

A 32-metre turntable ladder was used as a water tower to tackle the flames from above, while the brigade's drone team provided aerial footage to help coordinate the response.

Crews from Beckenham, Forest Hill, Woodside, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations brought the blaze under control by 09:00.

Bromley Council said it was supporting residents who had to leave their homes.

Angela Page, from the council, said they were "enormously grateful to the firefighters at the scene of this ferocious fire, with their professional dedication and bravery once again called upon".

She added that the council was "reaching out to support evacuated residents in what is a fast-moving and changing situation".

The cause of the fire is being investigated.