mandarin hotel fire london
© Press AssociationA huge plume of smoke billows from the roof of the Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park
Almost 100 firefighters are at the scene of a major fire at London's Mandarin Oriental Hotel near Hyde Park in the wealthy borough of Knightsbridge.

Fifteen fire engines and 97 firefighters are currently at the scene trying to extinguish the blaze, London's Fire Brigade has reported.

Transport for London said roads have been closed as emergency services deal with the incident.


The luxury five star hotel has recently undergone a £185 million refit, including new bedrooms, public areas, restaurants and a spa.


Witnesses in the area have said there is "ash falling all over the roads."

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Fifteen fire engines and 97 firefighters and officers have been called to a visible fire in William Street in Knightsbridge.

"The Brigade's 999 control officers have taken more than 35 calls to the fire, which is producing a lot of smoke.

"The Brigade was called at 1555. Fire crews from Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

"The cause of the fire is not known at this stage."