Firefighters have been called to tackle a serious fire at a restaurant on Commercial Street, Whitechapel this lunchtime.

The London Fire Brigade was alerted at approximately 12.30pm following multiple emergency calls reporting a fire at the SOMSAA restaurant, near the junction of Wentworth Street. Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform have been deployed to the scene.

Crews believe the fire may have started in the restaurant’s extraction fan, possibly due to grease buildup. All persons have been evacuated safely, and no injuries have been reported at this time.

Motorists and pedestrians are being urged to avoid the area as road closures are in place between Thrawl Street and Whitechapel High Street.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates.