Old Street shop fire: 40 firefighters battle blaze on City Road as Brigade advises people to avoid the area

Around 40 firefighters are fighting a blaze which has broken out in a Hackney shop, with people being advised to avoid the area due to congested traffic.

The London Fire Brigade was first called at 1.50pm earlier today, August 23, before sending both the firefighters and six fire engines to the scene on City Road, near Old Street.

Our reporter on the ground said the fire broke out in commercial premises in the basement of Eagle Point, an apartment building opposite Moorfields Eye Hospital.

They added there is a distinct smell of smoke in the air, and that crews continue to work the scene.

Firefighters from Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Islington and other surrounding stations are in attendance.

The Brigade said it expects traffic to be congested while the incident is ongoing, and is advising people to avoid the area.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

More to follow.