A huge fire broke out at the historic Battersea Arts Centre, leaving theatre goers heartbroken as firefighters battled a huge blaze.
The London Fire Brigade raced to the scene at 4.15pm after the venue’s Grand Hall went up in flames.
Sixty officers and 12 fire engines were sent to battle the blaze in south London, with crowds looking on in horror as the building, which was built in 1893, went up in flames.
You can read our live coverage of the blaze here.
Paul Foxcroft, 35, a comedian, was walking from his home in Battersea when he saw flames tear through the venue’s bell tower.
He said: “The first thing I saw when I came out of my house were several fire engines hurtling past then I saw grey smoke in the sky.
“Crowds had started to gather.
“There were two ladies outside crying. I got the impression they were just so sad because they loved the building.
“It is an institution for the whole of the city of London. It is hugely popular so this fire will affect a lot of people. The back of the building was being renovated.”
In a statement, a Battersea Arts Centre spokesman confirmed that no one had been hurt.
He added: “There is a fire in our building.
“Everyone is out safe and the fire brigade are working hard to get the fire under control.
“We will not be running any performances this evening.
“If you’ve bought tickets for any show we’ll be in contact about refunds or exchanges.
“Thank you to everyone for the kind words and well wishes. Everyone is out. Everyone is safe.”
Nicholas Bennett, a magistrate at nearby Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court, said at the time that black smoke was engulfing the entire area.
He said: “It appeared to be getting worse, although I can’t see the flames any more.
“But there is black smoke everywhere, engulfing the area.
“There are still more appliances arriving now.
“There are large numbers of people at the opposite side of the road to the fire.
“You can clearly see the firefighters at work.”
Only month Labour leader Ed Miliband used the venue to launch his party’s art policies ahead of May’s election.
On Twitter he wrote: “Terrible to see photos of Battersea Arts Centre engulfed in flames.
“I was there in February.
“Thanks to the firefighters fighting the blaze.”
Roads surrounding the theatre were closed off as firefighters and emergency services attempted to control the fire.
Katie Powell, who was having a Friday night drink at the nearby Fox and Hound pub when the blaze began, told the London Evening Standard: “There are firefighters everywhere and police were closing off the roads.
“I was having a drink when I saw the smoke.
“Lots of people have been coming up to me and saying it is so sad.
“It is such an old building.”
Just seen the photos of Battersea Arts Centre. Absolutely terrifying and heartbreaking. Hope no one is hurt thinking of you guys #battersea
— Gemma O’Meara (@GemmaOMeara) March 13, 2015
John Snelgrove, the local fire station manager who was at the scene, said: “This is a large, challenging fire and crews are working hard to bring it under control.
“We’ve got 12 fire engines at the scene, as well as an aerial appliance and an aerial ladder platform fighting the fire from above.
So sad to hear about the fire at Battersea Arts Centre – I hope the damage isn’t as bad as the photos look.
— Julia Wyatt (@juliapeculiar) March 13, 2015
“Firefighters are working with a number of water jets around the building to stop the fire from spreading.”
The cause of the fire is still not yet known. Firefighters remain on the scene, with no injuries reported.
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