More than 100 firefighters are battling a huge blaze at a block of flats in London in what police have described as a "major incident".
Devastating photos and video are emerging of the building in Barking engulfed in flames, with one witness claiming people were on the streets "crying without clothes or shoes".
London Fire Brigade confirmed 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to the block of flats in De Pass Gardens.
Huge plumes of smoke can be seen billowing across the capital's skyline as the ground floor to the sixth floor are ravaged by the fire.
It is not yet known if anyone has been injured or what caused the blaze, which started just before 3.30pm.
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People are being urged to avoid the area.
The fire brigade said in a statement: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a block of flats on De Pass Gardens in Barking.
"The ground floor to the sixth floor of the block are currently alight.
"The Brigade was called at 15.31 and is still at the scene. Fire crews from Barking, Dagenham, East Ham and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
"The cause of the is not known at this stage."
Station Manager Andy Maloney added: "Crews are continuing to work really hard at the scene to bring the fire under control.
“Any residents who are affected by the fire are advised to go to the rest centre at Thames View Community Centre on Bastable Road. Transport is available from De Pass Gardens to take people there.”
Met Police confirmed officers were are at the scene.
It described it as a "major incident" and said: "Evacuations are in progress and road closures are being implemented."
Crowds have also gathered nearby and are watching in horror as firefighters desperately try to keep the flames at bay.
A photo from the scene shows debris lying on the floor and charred exterior walls.
One panicked person living nearby tweeted: “I’m safe, but I have friends living in the flats. I still couldn’t find them. I live in front of the flats.
“Is horrible, never experienced something so horrible and the actions were so slow! Fingers crossed everyone is safe!”
Another added: "My heart is absolutely shattered on seeing the fire in Barking Riverside."
London Ambulance Service said it had crews on standby.
It added: "No reports of any injuries at the moment."
An air ambulance was also seen in the area.
Mihaela Gheorghe told the BBC she had "raised several issues" about the safety of wooden balconies on the blocks of flats.
She said: "I was in my fourth-floor flat when the fire started. We ran out. The fire brigade came but they found it hard to find a water supply at first.
"We said that one day a fire is going to happen.
"We raised several issues to the builder, the maintenance companies and the council about the safety of having all these wooden balconies."
Another resident named Rav claimed to the BBC he heard neighbours screaming 'fire, fire, fire' and grabbed his children and ran.
Barking and Dagenham Council tweeted: "Council staff are at the scene, working with the emergency services.
"The block has been evacuated and everyone is safe, with people being assisted at our rest centre at Thames View Community Centre, Bastable Road. If you live nearby & are concerned please go to the rest centre."
It later added: "UPDATE BARKING RIVERSIDE FIRE 17:52: We on the scene with the Emergency Services and the London Fire Brigade have the fire under control.
"We have opened a rest centre, at Thames View Community centre & will be arranging temporary accommodation for anyone who needs it."
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
