Hackney shops blaze || Fire crews fighting the flames on Yorkton Street in east London.

The fire service has also warned people living and working in the vicinity to keep their windows shut as dozens of firefighters work to tackle the blaze. Thick clouds of black smoke can be seen for miles around as the blaze rages at a row of shops. It is not yet known if anyone has been injured or the extent of the damage so far.

Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters and officers are tackling a fire at a range of shops on Yorkton Street in Hackney. Thick black smoke from the fire can be seen from miles and residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed if affected.

Firefighters from Soho, Islington, Holloway, Shoreditch, Homerton, Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Tottenham and Poplar fire stations are at the scene. The Brigade was called at 1301. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Fire crews are tackling a massive blaze in the heart of east London this afternoon. London Fire Brigade say 10 crews were sent to fight the flames on Yorkton Street, Hackney at around 1pm this afternoon. Dozens of firefighters are currently fighting the flames on Yorkton Street, Hackney, as thick plumes of black smoke can be seen rising over the capital

Fire crews are tackling a huge fire at an east London school. A spokesman for London Fire Brigade says more than 100 firefighters are at Thomas Fairchild primary in Hackney. We're told more than 60 percent of the school is alight and not yet under control, more than three hours after crews first arrived at the scene. There are no immediate reports of any casualties.