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Hackney fire: Over 70 firefighters tackling blaze in east London Hackney fire: Over 70 firefighters tackling blaze in east London which has injured at least one
(34 minutes later)
Over 70 firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at a row of shops in Yorkton Street, east London. Over 70 firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at a row of shops in Yorkton Street, east London, which has hospitalised at least one person.
The black smoke rising from the scene can be seen for miles around according to reports on social media. The London Fire Brigade was alerted to the fire at around 1pm, prompting the force to send 10 fire trucks from nine fire stations in the capital to the scene.
It is not yet known if anyone has been injured. A man reported to be in his 50s suffering from injuries to his forearm and smoke inhalation has been rushed to the nearby Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, according to a spokeswoman from the London Ambulance Service.
Images from the scene show thick, black smoke billowing from the shops, as police usher passersby away from Hackney Road, which is closed between Queensbridge Road and Pritchard's Road, The Mirror has reported.
Hackney road this afternoon  pic.twitter.com/mIe7SvoD0c
Further images of 72 firefighters tackling the blaze on Yorkton St in #Hackney pic.twitter.com/TsJmvan0Ah
Hackney road is on fire  pic.twitter.com/IzMvGSZvl4
#hackney road is on fire pic.twitter.com/9YOVPcW9SY
The London Fire Brigade is urging people in the area to keep their doors and windows closed.The London Fire Brigade is urging people in the area to keep their doors and windows closed.
The force tweeted that it is "making good progress" at the scene. The force tweeted that it is “making good progress” at the scene. However, the Metropolitan Police in Hackney have tweeted to warn the public that diversions in place are likely to last into the evening.
Thick black smoke coming from the blaze on Yorkton St #Hackney. Please close your doors & windows © @ScipioAfricana pic.twitter.com/vkUM71w6y4
The black smoke rising from the fire can be seen from as far away as the City of London, photos on social media show.
@LondonFire brigade looks to be winning, the smoke is still wide-spread... pic.twitter.com/ykgS6ZAKv5
Part of roof is alight at the fire on Yorkton St in #Hackney, 72 firefighters at the scene. pic.twitter.com/GZ28tNjoOw
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, according to a London Fire Brigade spokeswoman.
A barmaid at the Marksman pub opposite the fire, who identified herself only as Kim, told The Evening Standard:"The smoke was so thick you couldn't see outside the window. It was so unbelievably thick.
"It was terrifying... It was terrible the flames were huge, huge, when the roof came down there was a hell of a noise I ran in, I was terrified. We were all outside watching it."
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Additional reporting by PA