A scrap metal fire at a recycling plant has set tonnes of waste ablaze, creating heavy smoke.

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called yesterday at 4.23pm (September 26) to a large blaze on Factory Road in North Woolwich, Newham.

This was at a scrap metal plant where around ten tonnes of recycling had ignited.

Residents nearby were advised to keep doors and windows shut due to heavy smoke in the area.

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Firefighters had made steady progress after the brigade's control office received 27 calls about the incident.

The fire was under control by 7.34pm, LFB said, but its cause will be investigated. 

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it kept its personnel on the scene yesterday evening to monitor a small amount of recycling which remained alight.

Fire crews from Plaistow, East Ham, Barking and other surrounding stations attended the scene.