About 100 firefighters tackle blaze at London's famous Somerset House

Around 100 firefighters are tackling a fire at London's famous Somerset House on The Strand.

London Fire Brigade said on X that 15 fire engines and around 70 firefighters were at the scene.

It said the blaze was in the roof and that two of the brigade's 32m ladders had been sent to support the operation.

Video and images on social media showed a small area of roof on fire and smoke billowing out over the Thames.

"The brigade's control officers have taken over 10 calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 11.59am," a statement added.

"Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene."

The brigade said the cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Somerset House was due to host a day of breakdancing on Saturday.

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