Massive fire breaks out at block of flats in London’s Bethnal Green
A HUGE fire has destroyed the top floors of a new apartment block in east London.
HUGE flames rip through roof of Bethnal Green residential block
Firefighters were called to Bow Wharf, a new upmarket development in Wennigton Road, Bethnal Green, just after 11am.
The property is described as a “residential waterside development” with at least one of the properties on the market for more than £1million.
The complex had not been completed, and was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
London Fire Brigade sent 12 engines and 80 firefighters to tackle the blaze, which was brought under control at about 2pm.
There were 'no persons reported" inside the development.
A huge fire has broken out in Bow Wharf block of flats
An LFB spokesman said the third floor and roof of the four storey block was well alight when firefighters arrived.
Some of the first and second floors had also been damaged.
Surrounding roads have been closed while the fire is brought under control, and the public is advised to stay away from the area if possible.
Video posted online showed large clouds of black smoke tearing through the top of the building, which is covered by scaffolding.
Nobody was inside the property when the blaze broke out
Huge blaze engulfs residential block in Bethnal Green
The sight of another block of flats on fire just weeks after the Grenfell disaster sparked fears of a repeat tragedy.
Nolan McGregor told Metro: "People seemed to be really shocked, I heard a few people shouting 'Oh my God' and all.
"I also heard someone say 'not again' as they saw the fire."
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
An artist's impression of the finished Bow Wharf development
Bow Wharf is a private development by Rooff Property, in partnership with The Canal and Riverside Trust
Rooff Property's website says: "The scheme involves a 34 mix tenure residential units; 11 as affordable and 23 as private sale.
"These will be split over three blocks of traditional brick cladding, timber panels, slate roof and balconies.
"A quaint café facility will be integrated into the scheme, which will is perfectly situated along the Regents Canal side."
The third floor and roof of the four-story development is completely alight
Estate agents Currell are offering four properties with an asking price of between £999,950 and £1,025,000.
The complex is described as a "stylish, modern yet affordable waterside living at the heart of East London" by affordable housing providers East Thames, which was offering three one and two bedroom apartments.
Would-be homeowners with a minumum income of £59,000 and a £14,000 deposit are eligible to apply for one of the "affordable" units.