A cinema in south London has been saved from a blaze which ripped through a nearby building, firefighters have said.
The London Fire Brigade rushed to the fire in Beckenham, Bromley with thick plumes of smoke seen from miles away.
Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters were dispatched to the inferno on Beckenham High Street on Tuesday morning, very close to the Odeon theatre.
Photographs from the scene showed large flames rising from the building, as smoke billows into the air while local residents watch on.
Major disruption hit roads in Beckenham ahead of rush hour, with commuters urged to avoid the area as firefighters tackled the blaze.
The fire affected the first and second floors and the roof of a building near to the Odeon, which is currently under refurbishment, the London Fire Brigade confirmed.
Firefighters worked hard to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjoining buildings, including the cinema.
Station Commander Tony Perks said the roof of the mixed-use building was "largely destroyed", but he added: "We did stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, including the cinema."
No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation, LFB added.
Video footage appears to show an extension behind the Odeon cinema and the neighbouring Kebab Ye restraunt.
One local resident told The Standard that the High Street has been emptied as firefighters work to put out the blaze.
Mr Perks, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters have worked extremely hard to prevent the fire spreading significantly to adjoining buildings, including a cinema, resulting in very limited damage to those buildings.
"The fire was producing a significant amount of smoke and we advised people in the area to keep their windows and doors closed. This advice has now been lifted.
"The incident continues to cause major traffic disruption in Beckenham and we are asking people to avoid travelling through the area whilst the incident remains ongoing as road closures are in place."
“The Brigade received the first of 18 calls at 07.59am and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Beckenham, Bromley, Woodside, Forest Hill and surrounding fire stations to the scene. A 32-metre turntable ladder from Forest Hill is also attending.
“The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.”
Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross, who represents Beckenham Town and Copers Cope and is Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Bromley Council, said: “Seeing a fire so close to the Beckenham Odeon is heartbreaking for the whole community.
“We are thankful to the firefighters for their swift response and sincerely hope no one has been injured.”
