'Intense' roof fire in Deptford tackled by 120 firefighters as residents told to close windows

Tap above to watch video report by Martin Stew

More than 100 firefighters tackled an 'intense' roof fire in south London on Tuesday as cloud of smoke billowed over the area and residents were told to close windows and doors.

London Fire Brigade described conditions as "challenging" and increased the number of crews at the scene on Creek Road in Deptford.

Video posted on social media showed smoke rising over London as firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control.

Station Commander Ian Smith, who was at the scene on Tuesday said: "This is an intense fire located in the roof of the building and fire crews are working hard in challenging conditions.

"We've increased the number of fire engines because of the need for more firefighters in breathing apparatus. 

"There is a lot of smoke from the incident and we'd ask local residents to close their doors and windows."

A number of people left the building before firefighters arrived and there were no reports of any injuries.

Residents said building work was taking place on the block of flats at the time, with scaffolding visible around the walls.

Leoni, 18, who lives nearby, said the incident was "really scary", adding: "Firefighters were up there on the ladder trying to get the fire out and the flames got higher than them at one point. They all had to move back in order to stay safe."