80 firefighters tackle blaze in Bow high rise flats

Approximately 80 firefighters are tackling a blaze in a block of high rise flats in east London.

The fire began at the building in Bow just before 1.30pm on Sunday, the London Fire Brigade have confirmed.

The blaze broke out on the fifth floor of the residential flats, destroying one apartment completely, and heavy smoke spread up until the 8th floor. 200 people had to be evacuated and one elderly woman was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Nine people were assisted from flats on floors seven to 10 by breathing apparatus crews.

Firefighters are still at the scene but the blaze is under control.