Investigation launched after fire destroys 20 London flats

An investigation has been launched after a fire caused extensive damage to a block of flats in east London.

Twenty flats were destroyed by fire and a further 10 were damaged by heat and smoke.

One man and one woman were treated at the scene after suffering from smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

The blaze, which has been brought under control, affected the ground floor to the sixth floor of the building in Barking.

Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to the flats on De Pass Gardens at 3.31pm, as people were evacuated from their homes. The blaze was under control by 6.04pm.

Fire crews from Barking, Dagenham, East Ham and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.

Roads were closed off to the public as emergency services worked to put out the fire.

The cause of the fire is not known and an investigation has been launched.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called at 3.32pm today to a fire in De Pass Gardens, in Barking.

“We sent two ambulance crews, two solo responders and our Hazardous Area Response Team. We have a tactical adviser and our command support vehicle at the scene. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.

“There are no reports of any injuries at the moment.”

Station manager Andy Maloney said: “Crews worked really hard to put the fire out.

“Any residents who are affected by the fire are advised to go to the rest centre at Thames View Community Centre on Bastable Road. Transport is available from De Pass Gardens to take people there.”

A spokesman for the L&Q Group, which oversaw the regeneration project in east London, said: “This property was built by a private company and is now owned by a private landlord. As we have a large presence in the area, we have arranged for staff to open up our local office so we can assist residents.”