Bromley fire: Dozens of firefighters battle blaze at disused gas works in south London

Nearby Tesco closed as crews battle 'huge' fire

Dozens of firefighters are battling a large blaze at a disused gas works in south London.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it had sent four engines and 25 firefighters to the site in Homesdale Road, Bromley.

Residents in the surrounding area have been told to keep windows and doors closed due to thick smoke. A Tesco supermarket neighbouring the site been forced to shut.

A man who lives close to the site said workers had been “knocking down the gas works” before the fire broke out.

“I just hope everybody is OK,” he added.

LFB was first called at 11.30am on Wednesday and said its 999 control room had received more than 65 calls about the blaze.

Crews from Bromley and Sidcup fire stations were sent to tackle the flames.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. There have been no reports of any injuries.

The blaze forced a nearby Tesco to close (Olly Woodward)

The Metropolitan Police has closed roads in the surrounding area and warned “considerable disruption is anticipated”.

“A small exclusion zone is in place around the seat of the fire. Please avoid the area at this time,” the force said.

Pictures posted on social media showed officers speaking to customers in Tesco’s car park as flames roar nearby and a thick plume of black smoke rises up.

A staff member at the supermarket said the store had been closed and would remain shut until Thursday.

Rail operator Southeastern said it was “monitoring the situation” as the blaze was near to train lines but services were “currently unaffected”.

Dozens of people have posted pictures or footage of thick black smoke rising up from the fire.

“Huge fire in Bromley this morning, we pray there are no injuries or loss of life,” tweeted one man.