Tower block fire sparks evacuation

A 15-storey tower block has been evacuated after a fire broke out.

London Fire Brigade said around 75 firefighters and 15 engines were sent to the flats on Kingston-upon-Thames' Cambridge Road estate just before 5pm.

The upper floors of the Madingley block in St Peter's Road were believed to be affected and searches of the building were being carried out, a spokesman said.

Residents taken to nearby Piper community hall, according to Kingston borough council. A spokesman said: "We understand it has been fully evacuated."

The 1960s block is owned by the council and includes council flats and privately owned properties, he added. "We are assessing what people's needs will be," he said. "If it's the case that they won't be able to return to the block tonight we will assist anybody who hasn't got alternative accommodation."

A spokesman for London Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 4.50pm to St Peter's Road, Kingston. We sent two members of staff in cars, two ambulances, and a duty manager. They are standing by, but as yet, we haven't treated any patients."