London Fire Brigade at the scene in Friern Barnet
(Picture: London Fire Brigade)Firefighters rescued a woman from a blaze at a luxury development in north London this afternoon that has been home to a string of celebrities.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called at 11.50am to tackle the fire at Princess Park Manor in Royal Drive, Friern Barnet.
The Victorian building was once home to a mental hospital but was converted into the exclusive development where a number of pop acts including Girls Aloud, Sugababes, JLS and McFly are said to have lived. Cheryl and Ashley Cole are also said to have lived there when they were a couple.
One woman was assisted on Wednesday from the third floor by firefighters and the London Ambulance Service, said the London Fire Brigade.
Around 25 people had left the building before the Brigade arrived. No injuries were reported.
Two flats on the fourth floor and mezzanine were partly damaged by the fire and part of the roof was destroyed by the blaze.
Fire crews from Southgate, Finchley, Hendon, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
Fire at Princess Park Manor in Friern Barnet. Eight fire engines and three ambulances at the scene. At least one person injured. pic.twitter.com/s4DhwJDc90
— John (@Jhn_Rogers) March 24, 2021
The crews had the fire under control at 3.45pm and the Brigade said firefighters will remain at the scene for the next few hours.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Opened in 1851, the Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum that was based in the building was the largest mental health hospital in Europe and was supposed to usher in a new era in mental health treatment.
