Fire sweeps through London market

The cause of the blaze is not known as 100 firefighters tackle flames.

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People gathered in the streets to watch the fire [GALLO/GETTY]

At least 20 fire engines are tackling a blaze at one of London’s best-known markets.

The fire at Camden market, popular with both tourists and locals, lit the night sky on Saturday as 100 firefighters worked to put it out.

“A range of market storage areas and shops are alight and firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control,” a Lodnon Fire Brigade statement said.

Residents said they feared severe damage to the market.

A police spokesman said there were no immediate reports of injuries and nothing to suggest the fire’s origins were criminal.

The Hawley Arms pub, a popular haunt of celebrities including singer Amy Winehouse and model Kate Moss, was damaged in the fire, according to Sky News.

Camden is a fashion and music centre well known for the market and its nightclubs.

According to the Camden market website, it is the largest street market in Britain and the fourth most-visited tourist attraction in the British capital, with about 500,000 visitors a week.

The market, next to Camden Lock, opened in the 1970s and has grown into a sprawling complex of market stalls, shops, workshops, studios and cafes.

Shops sell everything from arts and crafts to designer clothes and antiques.

Source: News Agencies