The venue’s Grand Hall was badly damaged but half of the centre was saved from the flames that appeared to spread from the roof.

Devastated locals were seen crying in the street as crowds watched that blaze take hold from 4.20pm yesterday afternoon.

Footage from the scene showed huge clouds of black smoke and giant flames rising from the historic building, which originally opened in 1893 as Battersea Town Hall.

People living and working nearby to were advised to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid breathing the fumes.

Read more: Major fire breaks out at Battersea Arts Centre

More than a dozen fire engines and about 80 firefighters continued their battle with the fire overnight, with many officers being hoisted into the air on extendible ladders to douse the flames from above.

Last night’s performances were cancelled as a result, along with a performance of Missing in the building’s Grand Hall today, while investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

.@londonfire are doing their best but back roof just completely collapsed. #BACFire pic.twitter.com/CjUnBaos4O

— jesscousins (@jesscousins) March 13, 2015

David Jubb, the centre’s artistic director and CEO, paid tribute to London Fire Brigade crews for their efforts.

“We are devastated by the speed and scale of this fire,” he added.

“The most important thing of course is that everyone got out of the building quickly and safely.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to the brilliant fire brigade who limited the damage caused to the beautiful old town hall.”

The scene of a fire at Battersea Arts Centre on Lavender Hill, London

Mr Jubb expressed the BAC’s thanks to the offers of help and support flooding in from London and beyond.

“It is heartening for everyone involved with the organisation in this extremely challenging moment,” he added.

A National Fundraising Scheme page called “Save Battersea Arts Centre” has already raised more than £10,000 from 440 donations towards its recovery.

Thanks so much for all your support. @NFSUK has set up a dedicated donation page to help save our home http://t.co/wM02iADkVb #bacphoenix

— BatterseaArtsCentre (@battersea_arts) March 13, 2015

Paul Foxcroft, a 35-year-old comedian, was walking from his home in Battersea when he saw flames tear through the venue’s bell tower.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Firefighters tackle a fire at the Battersea Arts Centre in south London on March 13, 2015. Around 80 officers and 12 fire engines were battling the blaze Friday.

As well as its full programme of theatre performances, concerts and events, the BAC recently played host to Labour leader Ed Miliband and deputy leader Harriet Harman when they visited on 23 Feburary to launch their party’s arts policies ahead of the general election.

Mr Miliband tweeted of his shock at hearing the news.

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.”

Additional reporting by PA