A RAGING inferno is burning through a block of flats in east London as 70 firefighters fight to extinguish the massive blaze.
Shocking pictures from the scene show clouds of orange and black smoke pouring from the building, which looks to be at least 15 storeys high.
The fire blazed on the 10th floor of the block
XA bystander captured the horrific blaze on camera[/caption]
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire on Rymill Street in north WoolwichX
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called out to the scene in Rymill street, north Woolwich.
The London Fire Brigade said their officers took more than 20 emergency calls about the blaze tonight.
It appeared to hit about halfway up the huge block of flats on Thursday evening.
Fire crews asked the public to avoid the area while they try to put out the inferno.
They said it had hit the 10th floor of the block.
The first emergency call made about the fire this evening was just after 10:30pm.
Fire crews from Plaistow, Barking, East Ham, Poplar and other nearby areas rushed to the scene.
The cause of the blaze is unknown.
A picture taken from further away showed plumes of smoke filling the sky.
London Fire Brigade said: “Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire at a flat on Rymill Street in North Woolwich.
“Part of a tenth floor flat is currently alight.
“The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken more than 20 calls to the blaze, with the first at 2232. Fire crews from Plaistow, Barking, East Ham, Poplar and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
“The cause of the fire is not known at this time.”