Firefighters have spent the night tackling a large blaze at a block of flats in east London.
The London Fire Brigade said battling the fire on Adeliza Road in Barking was proving "tricky" and had so far involved cutting away walls.
It said more than 50 firefighters were on the scene this morning, with 33 residents taken to safety.
Station Manager Thomas Goodall, at the scene, said: “The fire appears to have started in a cavity wall on the ground floor and spread upwards to the second and third floors and into the roof.
"Fighting a fire spreading within the inner framework of a building is tricky. Crews are using an aerial ladder platform to gain access to the fire from above but also cutting away at the walls. Our priority now is to minimise further damage to the property.”
Firefighters were called to the blaze, whose cause is currently unknown, shortly after 12.30am this morning. Ten engines from various stations have been sent.
Police are also on scene. Scotland Yard said officers were making enquiries.
The force added local road closures are in place and advised motorists to avoid the area.