50 people were evacuated from a flat block in Erith today after a fire on the sixth floor.

Four fire engines and 25 firefighters rushed to a flat fire on Erith's Kale Road at around 1.30pm today (April 12).

The blaze was visible from far away and the emergency room received 28 calls to the fire.

A three-room flat on the sixth floor was destroyed in the blaze and around 50 people had to evacuate the building.

A man from the affected flat left before the brigade arrived, according to London Fire Brigade.

The fire was handled quickly, being brought under control within an hour.

Fire crews from nearby stations of Plumstead, Bexley, and East Greenwich were present at the scene.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a flat fire on Kale Road in Erith.

“Part of a three roomed flat on the sixth floor of a block of flats was destroyed by fire.

“One man left the affected flat before the Brigade arrived, approximately 50 people also evacuated the building.

“This was a very visible fire. The Brigade's 999 Control staff received 28 calls alerting them to the blaze.

“The Brigade was called at 1331 and was under control by 1413. Fire crews from Plumstead, Erith, Bexley and East Greenwich fire stations were in attendance.

“The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.”