Investigation into maisonette fire under way

An investigation is under way after a fire broke out at a block of flats in east London.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent 10 fire engines and about 70 firefighters to the four-storey block of maisonettes on Mount Pleasant Lane, Clapton, after receiving reports at 20:00 BST on Tuesday. Itwas brought under control by 22:54 BST.

One person was assessed at the scene by emergency crews but did not need hospital treatment. No other injuries have been reported.

The brigade said the investigation was being carried out by the Metropolitan Police and LFB's Fire Investigation Team. In a statement, LFB added that at this stage, it did not believe the fire was started deliberately.

A ground and first‑floor maisonette was destroyed while five other flats suffered partial damage, LFB said.

The external fascia and a balcony on a second and third‑floor flat were also burnt.

Firefighters searched the building and helped at least one resident to safety. A rest centre was opened nearby to help about 20 residents affected by the fire.

Crews from several fire stations, including Stoke Newington, Tottenham and Homerton, were deployed to tackle the flames.

A large amount of smoke was seen in the Hackney area and people living nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

Deputy assistant commissioner Chris Jenner, commander for the North East area, said: "The conditions inside the maisonette that was mostly alight were challenging and firefighters worked professionally and safely to bring this part of the fire under control as swiftly as possible."

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