Motorists and the public are being asked to avoid a residential street due to a flat fire.

Half of a five-roomed flat in a six-storey building on Heybourne Crescent in Colindale is currently alight (May 15).

The London Fire Brigade says that 40 firefighters have been called since 2pm to the second floor of the building.

Crews from Hendon, Stanmore, Finchley, West Hampstead and Islington fire stations are at the scene.

On Twitter, the brigade has asked people to “avoid the area” as crews continue to tackle the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.