Massive fire rips through Romford church hall in the dead of night
Huge blaze prompts emergency scramble
A huge fire erupted at a disused church hall in Romford, sparking a major emergency response. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters stormed the scene to tackle the roaring inferno and stop it spreading.
Flames gut ground floor, first floor and roof
The blaze tore through parts of the ground floor, first floor, and roof of the abandoned hall. Despite the fury of the fire, thankfully no injuries were reported.
Firefighters battle flames with cutting-edge gear
Fire crews deployed specialist kit, including a towering 32-metre ladder, to attack the blaze from all sides. The thick smoke billowing from the site forced nearby residents to keep doors and windows shut to avoid dangerous fumes.
Swift action brings fire under control in under two hours
The alarm was raised at 12:30am. Firefighters from Dagenham, Ilford, Hainault and neighbouring stations poured in, battling through the night. By 2:27am, the fire was largely subdued.
Police and fire teams launch investigation
Authorities remain on high alert as the Metropolitan Police join the probe to uncover what caused the devastating blaze. Pinpointing the cause is vital to keep the community safe and prevent future disasters.