A fire this morning (May 11) tore through a New Cross pub where the top floor was being used as a cannabis factory.

Firefighters were called out to the old Albertines pub in Lewisham Way at 3.47am and fought the blaze for around two hours.

On arrival, police discovered a cannabis factory on the upper floor, though no arrests have been made.

Ambulance crews were called out as a precaution but there were no reported casualties and the building was empty when emergency services arrived.

Around half the first and second floors were damaged by the fire, along with most of the roof.

Roads around the pub were closed for several hours but have since reopened.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Albertines has had a troubled history in recent times. The pub, criticised at a recent licensing committee as being run "more like a club" and causing a nuisance to people living nearby, closed down last year but was undergoing refurbishment.