A huge fire has broken out at a luxury hotel in central London a week after "the most extensive restoration in its 115-year history" was completed.
Staff and guests were evacuated from the 12-storey building. Photo: AFP
Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the five-star Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge after firefighters were called just before 4pm local time.
About 120 firefighters and 20 engines were sent to the scene in William Street, London Fire Brigade said.
There are no reports of any injuries, the fire brigade said, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
After the blaze broke out, staff and guests were evacuated from the 12-storey building to Hyde Park, where they were given bottles of water.
One, who asked not to be named, said: "The fire alarm started and everybody was told to get outside.
"Everything's fine but we don't know how it started yet."
Dozens of witnesses were in Knightsbridge, home to the Harrods department store, when the fire started.
Penelope Evans, 50, from Battersea, south London, was shopping in Harrods when she noticed the thick smoke as she was leaving.
"I saw all this black smoke coming from the sky, it was covering everything and the smell was horrendous," she said.
"It was like people were in shock, everyone immediately just started leaving the street and the area.
"There were hundreds of fire engines, ambulances, police racing by and helicopters overhead.
"After Grenfell, I feel like people are a lot more on edge about these things, people just wanted to get out."
Photo: AFP
Tourist Eric Bantug, who was visiting from Las Vegas, spoke of his shock at seeing a historic building in flames.
The 47-year-old financial services worker, said: "I was just coming up from the tube and smelled the fire. I could smell burning.
"When I got up above ground I saw all the smoke coming out of the building.
"It's pretty old and it's a shame to see it happen."
Bosses of the international hotel chain recently announced the end of renovation work "designed to confirm this historic hotel's position as one of the best in the world".
A spokesman said: "We are aware that there is a fire at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, and that the fire brigade is at the hotel.
"As the situation is still unfolding, we have no further details to share at this time, but will provide an update soon."
Transport for London said the blaze was also affecting entry to and exit from Knightsbridge station.
It tweeted: "Knightsbridge: currently the Sloane Street entrance at the station is closed.
"Customers are advised to use the Harrods entrance."
Princess Anne had been scheduled to attend a 50th Anniversary Dinner of the Blues and Royals Club at the hotel later.
The Mandarin Oriental has previously been used by the Royal Family, including an event for British and foreign royals hosted by the Queen on the eve of Prince William's wedding in 2011.
- BBC
