A huge fire has taken hold at an industrial unit after what eyewitnesses have described as a "loud explosion".

The blaze at Church Manorway in Erith is being fought by around 40 firefighters from stations across south east London.

London Fire Brigade was called to the incident at 9.13am and six fire engines have been sent to the scene, where part of a building is currently alight.

The brigade's 999 control centre has received 21 calls alerting them to the blaze, with a huge plume of smoke seen rising from the unit.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed three people have been taken to hospital.

They said: "We dispatched a number of ambulance crews and specialist response teams to the scene, including our hazardous area response unit. We also dispatched a London's Air Ambulance trauma team.

"We are working closely with other members of the emergency services at the scene. We have treated three people and taken them to hospital.

"We remain on the scene as a precaution."

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage and the response to the incident is ongoing.

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