Barbecue fire at New Zealand Party

About 300 people have been evacuated from New Zealand's Olympics hospitality house after a fire.

Emergency services were called to Kiwi House near King's Cross in central London yesterday after two gas canisters being used for a barbecue exploded.

Hundreds of New Zealanders who have come to London for the Games had gathered for a party before the blaze started.

Mr Johnstone, who is in London on holiday, said the canister exploded with such force that it blew the roof off the barbecue area.

New Zealander and Leeds University student Sonia Holland, who is also working as a volunteer Games Maker at the Olympics, said she was not aware of any athletes in attendance.The 19-year-old, from Napier, said:

She said when she looked back at the building she could see fire and smoke coming from the garden.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said the blaze started at 7.20pm.

Ten firefighters attended and a cordon was put around the building in case another gas cylinder exploded.