London Chinatown fire: Blaze rips through restaurant in Soho

The cause of the fire is under investigation

Twelve fire engines attended the scene in Gerrard Place, Chinatown (London Fire Brigade)

Two people were rescued by firefighters after a large blaze broke out at a restaurant in London’s Chinatown.

London Fire Brigade were called at 8.39am on Sunday after flames spread through two floors of the building.

Smoke billowing from roof of the terraced building in Gerrard Place could be seen across Soho.

Eighty firefighters and 12 fire engines, including crews from Soho, Euston, Lambeth and Paddington, attended the scene.

“Part of the first and second floor and part of the roof of the end of terrace building were alight,” the fire brigade said in a statement.

“Four people left the property before the Brigade arrived and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led a further two people to safety via an internal staircase.

“There are no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.”

At 10am London Fire Brigade reported they were making “steady progress”, although the second floor and roof remained alight. The fire was brought under control by 11.28am.

Nearby Shaftesbury Road, which runs through Soho, was closed westbound from Charing Cross Road during the operation.

“Firefighters will remain on scene damping down throughout the afternoon,” a fire brigade spokesperson added.