SIXTY firefighters and eight engines were called to a blaze in the basement of a block of flats in Station Road, Hayes, this evening (8).

Part of an electrical sub-station was alight, though there were no reports of any injuries.

Station Commander Brett Loft, who was at the scene, said: "Crews faced heavy smoke and discovered the fire in an electrical sub-station below the flats.

"Around 20 people had left the building before the brigade arrived.

"Firefighters are ventilating the property, due to smoke logging affecting several floors, and are expected to remain on scene throughout the evening."

The brigade was called at 7.45 and the fire was under control by 9.23. Crews from Hayes, Hillingdon, Heathrow, Southall and Feltham attended. 

The cause is under investigation.