Koko owner 'deeply saddened' after historic building in Camden is damaged by fire

The owner of the Koko music venue said he is deeply saddened after the historic building was damaged by fire.

Olly Bengough thanked the London Fire Brigade for their "quick" response and said there were no casualties in the fire.

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled the flames at the nightclub in Camden High Street, north London, after being called shortly before 9pm on Monday.

London Fire Brigade said 30% of the building's roof had been alight and warned people to stay away from the area.

The fire was brought under control in the early hours of Tuesday but the cause is not yet known.

Koko, formerly known as Camden Palace and the Camden Hippodrome, closed in March last year for refurbishment and was covered in scaffolding at the time of the fire.

It was set to reopen within months after a major revamp, including a renovation of the rooftop area, following the purchase of two adjacent buildings.

Fire crews from Euston, Kentish Town, Islington, Soho, Holloway and surrounding areas helped tackle the fire at the venue, which is close to Mornington Crescent Underground station.

Firefighters will remain at the scene throughout the day as the investigation continued.