Witnesses to a garage fire this afternoon described “loud bangs and explosions” and “billowing smoke”.

Four fire engines and 21 firefighters were called at 12.27pm to Dina Motors repair workshop fire, in Sansom Road, Leytonstone.

The fire damaged part of the garage situated in a railway arch and the blaze was under control by 1.36pm.

London Overground and National Rail services which use the line were suspended until the structure could be checked by Network Rail.

London Fire Brigade said it does not know the cause of the fire at this stage.

The Guardian spoke to witnesses at the scene who live in Sansom Road.

Elaine Willis, 49, said she heard a number of explosions coming from the garage as the fire started to take hold.

She said: “I thought the bridge was going to fall down as it was engulfed in flames and the whole street was black with smoke.

“I thought it was just getting cloudy but then I heard seven or eight loud bangs and I ran outside.

“Luckily the firefighters did a good job in getting it under control as the fire was really aggressive, I was worried it might spread to our block of flats.”

Neale Gibbons, 67, said: “I was in my garden when I smelt burning, then I saw a huge amount of smoke billowing out of the garage.

“The structure of the bridge must be compromised as the garage is gutted.”

Richard Jones, 56, said: “I saw loads of smoke going past my window and a number of loud bangs and explosions, so I ran down to the scene.”

“The fire was really strong and I had never experienced anything like it.”