Huge plumes of smoke have been spotted across parts of London after a fire broke out with emergency services scrambled.
Firefighters have rescued a man from the ground floor of a flat but the blaze is still ongoing.
Eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters were called to the blaze on Sydenham Road in Croydon, London Fire Brigade said.
Witnesses saw thick plumes of smoke line the skies as emergency services battled the fire.
In dramatic footage posted on to social media a crowd of fire crews and an ambulance can be seen outside the home as firefighters tackle the inferno.
In a statement the fire brigade said that half of the building's roof was still on fire and urged people to avoid the area.
The service said: "Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters have been called to a flat fire on Sydenham Road in Croydon.
"Half of the first floor of a terraced house converted into flats and half of the roof of the building are alight.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have rescued one man from a flat on the ground floor.
"The Brigade's 999 Control Officers have taken 23 calls to the blaze.
"The Brigade was called at 2323. Fire crews from Croydon, Norbury, West Norwood, Addington and Beckenham fire stations attended the scene.
"The cause of the fire is not known at this time."
Residents living in West Croydon spoke on social media of how they had seen emergency crews rush past and that the area was filled with smoke.
One said the noxious smoke was so bad they had to close their windows.
There was also praise for the work of the firefighters with one person saying: "Incredible work tonight in Croydon. Thank you for all you do."
