Firefighters tackle blaze at Bermondsey tower block

Firefighters are battling to control a blaze on the 17th floor of a residential tower block in south-east London amid reports that the building had been struck by lightning. Six fire engines were sent to the block in Abbey Street, Bermondsey, as electrical storms swept over the capital, bringing heavy downpours. A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said 35 firefighters were trying to bring the fire under control. He said there was no immediate information on what caused the fire, but reports circulating on Twitter blamed a bolt of lightning. Images posted online showed flames and thick grey smoke billowing from the balcony of a flat several storeys from the top of the building. There were no reports of any casualties, but London Ambulance Service said it had dispatched two "hazardous area response" teams to the scene. "At present our staff have not treated any patients," he said.