A major emergency response is underway following a fire at Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School on Kennet Road, West London.

London Fire Brigade have sent multiple appliances to the developing incident a Turntable Ladder (TL) has been ordered to assist with the operation.

The alarm was raised shortly before 10:00am prompting a rapid response from multiple fire stations across Westminster and surrounding boroughs. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the school building, with firefighters currently battling the blaze under difficult conditions.

Emergency services are treating the incident as a “persons reported” situation, indicating that individuals may still be inside the building. Paramedics and police units are on scene supporting evacuation efforts and crowd control.

There is no official word yet on casualties, but authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while emergency crews continue their work. Roads surrounding Kennet Road and the Maida Vale area have been closed, causing significant traffic disruption.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as school staff and pupils were evacuated.

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are tackling a fire at a school on Kennet Road in Maida Vale.

Part of the roof of the building is alight. One woman is being treated on scene.

Station Commander Hardeep Dale, who is at the scene, said: “The school was safely evacuated before our crews arrived, and we are working closely with partner agencies to support everyone affected by the incident.

“Road closures remain in place while we work to make the area safe, and we urge the public to avoid the vicinity where possible.

Firefighters are using two of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders as water towers to tackle the fire from above and bring the situation under control.

The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of five calls to the fire at 1307 and mobilised crews from North Kensington, Paddington, Kensington, West Hampstead, Hammersmith and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

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