20 firefighter tackle fire at National Archives

Large clouds of black smoke billowed after two disused water towers near the National Archives in Kew, London was said to be on fire.

The main building, which was open to the public, was evacuated after the blaze broke out, a National Archives spokeswoman said.

Footage of a fire near the National Archives in Kew, London has been pictured by locals around the area. Tom Hewitson, who filmed the footage, said that a "smaller building on the side" was affected.

A blaze near the National Archives in Kew, London has been pictured by locals around the area. Thick black smoke could be seen from Chiswick Bridge.

National Archives later said the fire had been put out and that records were safe and unharmed.

A blaze near the National Archives in London caused "significant damage" to two water towers close to the area, London Fire Brigade said in a statement.

The rescue service added:

Read: Water towers blaze near National Archives

Around 20 firefighters are tackling a blaze close to the National Archives. London Fire Brigade said two disused water towers which were in the process of being decommissioned caught fire in Kew, south west London, at about 12.30pm.

Both towers are now "100% alight", a fire service spokeswoman said. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "No-one is trapped or injured."

Police, who were called at 12.37pm, are providing assistance at the scene, he added.