Explosions at the waste management centre in Silvertown shook the ground.

Around 40 people were evacuated from the scene of a major blaze at a waste management centre in Silvertown last night.

Six engines attended the fire in Dock Road and it took more than 30 firefighters nearly eight hours to bring it under control.

London Fire Brigade said the scrapyard facility was “fully alight”.

Firefighters were alerted at 4.26pm and one woman who took the image from south of the river said: “You could feel the ground shake as explosions were heard.”

Other nearby residents reported “loud bangs” and thick smoke at the scene and the London Fire Brigade received over 20 calls reporting the incident.

Gas cylinders were involved in the fire which can explode when exposed to heat so a temporary hazard zone of 200 metres was established.

The evacuees were thought to be workers from the plant and nearby factories.

The fire was brought under control at 11.47pm but crews were still at the scene until 6.30am this morning.

The cause is currently under investigation.