70 firefighters tackle blaze in south London on busy Brixton shopping street as man arrested on suspicion of arson

A large plume of smoke could be seen billowing over the street as ten fire engines arrived at scene on Electric Avenue, Brixton.

The blaze appears to have started in a storage area behind the street.

The London Fire Bridge said it was first alerted to the fire just after 9.40am.

Firefighters from Brixton, Peckham, Lambeth, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations were deployed to tackle the blaze.

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.

A spokesperson from the force said: "Officers are currently supporting the London Fire Brigade following a fire at a building on Electric Avenue, Brixton.

"No injuries have been reported. Surrounding buildings have been evacuated.'One suspect, a man in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of arson. He remains in police custody.

"This fire has caused the temporary closure of Brixton Tube Station, due to its close proximity to the incident. This is being kept under review by the British Transport Police.

"A crime scene has been established and emergency services remain at the scene.'Enquiries are going. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 2087/07JUL or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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Road closures have in place and people are being asked to avoid the area.

Brixton Tube Station was also temporarily closed due to the incident, the LFB said.

Videos shared on online show large plumes of smoke rising above the street as members of the public watched on at the unfolding scene.

LFB's statement read: "Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire on Electric Avenue in Brixton. A storage area at the rear of a mixed-use building is alight.

"Road closures are in place and people are asked to avoid the area at this time. People in the local area should also keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke travel.

"Brixton Underground Station is temporarily closed due to smoke travel. The Brigade received the first of around 25 calls about the fire at 0941 and Control Officers have mobilised crews from Brixton, Peckham, Lambeth, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

"A 32-metre turntable ladder is also attending and is being used as an observation tower helping to provide the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire.

"The cause of the fire is unknown at this time."