Firefighters from Woodford Green spent four hours tackling a fire at an Asian wedding and banqueting venue this morning, which has been left “severely damaged”.

Ten fire engines and around 72 officers attended the fire at The Pavillion, in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, at around 1am.

Half of the first floor and most of the roof were alight when firefighters arrived.

Station manager, Clive Robinson, who is at the scene said: “The fire has severely damaged the two storey banqueting hall. “Firefighters have managed to stop the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings. Around 50 people from neighbouring houses have been evacuated as a precaution.”

Fire crews from Chingford, Walthamstow, Stratford, Homerton, Leyton, Leytonstone and Tottenham fire stations were also sent to the scene.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.