A 'massive' fire has sparked chaos at a London boatyard with loud explosions going off at the scene.
Around 100 firefighters and 15 engines fought back flames which spread for three hours on Platt's Eyot, Richmond upon Thames.
Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the area as mercy crews charged towards the dangerous blaze.
Heavy rain also helped battle the fire which trigged loud bangs leaving bystanders terrified.
Fire Brigade bosses have now confirmed a number of gas cylinders were involved in the blaze, reports The Mirror.
The blaze engulfed two industrial units on Platt's Eyot, an island on the River Thames in Hampton, Richmond upon Thames.
One witness wrote on Twitter : "Police/fire moving people back. Lots of bangs and pops.
"The fire is a long way from the road, surrounded by river. But IT IS gigantic."
London Fire Brigade said a number of gas cylinders were involved in the blaze.
Firefighters cooled and removed some of the cylinders as they can explode when exposed to heat.
A spokesman for the fire service said: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at two industrial units on Platt's Eyot island in Richmond upon Thames.
"Firefighters are tackling a fire at two single-storey industrial units on the island. The only access to the island is via a footbridge, therefore firefighters have carried all of their equipment by hand to the fire.
"The Brigade's Control Officers have received over 60 calls about the fire.
"The Brigade was called at 5.14pm. Fire crews from Twickenham, Kingston, Feltham, Heston, Richmond and other neighbouring fire stations are at the scene."
It is believed no one has been injured in the fire, although one man has been treated for smoke inhalation.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service previously tweeted: "Our Joint Fire Control received 20 calls to #Hampton Boat Sheds this evening. We are currently assisting @LondonFire at this incident. Nearby residents should close windows and doors."
Historic England described each building as a timber-framed boathouse clad in corrugated zinc with a Belfast truss roof.
The organisation said they were built in 1916 by Augustine Alban Hamilton Scott for the Thorneycroft firm to build fast launches carrying torpedoes for the Admiralty.
