Emergency: Residents had to be evacuated from the home

Fire at a warehouse in Croydon last night sparked the risk of a gas explosion, this morning.

Ten fire engines and 50 firefighters were still at the scene of a large fire at a warehouse on Purley Way in Croydon, this morning.

Emergency services found the roof already collapsed by the ferocity of the blaze when the arrived at 1.14am, last night.

But now, two acetylene gas cylinders and a propane gas cylinder inside the building meant an exclusion zone was installed in case of explosions.

Surrounding roads were cordoned off, including Purley Way, Wadden Way and Edgehill Road.

They have been partially reopened now.

Station Manager Mark Blomfield, said: “This was a massive fire which caused a huge amount of black smoke due to the number of tyres that were on fire.

“Steady progress is now being made and the fire is reducing in size. Crews worked incredibly hard throughout the night to prevent the flames from spreading to the two properties either side, one of which is a restaurant.

“We’re now working hard to put the fire completely out so we can fully reopen Purley Way.”

“The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. Firefighters are likely to remain at the scene for most of the day. An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the blaze.”