A large blaze has badly damaged a building under refurbishment in central London.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) were called to reports of a fire at the building site on Great Portland Street, near Oxford Street, just before 12.45pm on Saturday, 17 February.

More than 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines tackled the blaze, which was under control by 13.44pm. Part of the basement, ground, first and second floor of the building was badly damaged by the fire.


LFB said: "A number of gas cylinders were involved in the blaze. As a precaution the cylinders were cooled down as some can explode when exposed to heat.

"Fire crews from Soho, Lamnbeth, Kentish Town, Chelsea, Kensington and Islington and surrounding fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental."

(LM/MH)