Around 100 firefighters are tackling a blaze at London's famous Somerset House on The Strand.

London Fire Brigade said on X that 15 fire engines were at the scene.

It said the fire was in the roof and that two of the brigade's 32m ladders had been sent to support the operation.

Video and images on social media showed a small area of roof on fire and smoke billowing out over the Thames.

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"The brigade's control officers have taken over 10 calls reporting the fire, with the first received at 11.59am," a statement added.

"Crews from Soho, Dowgate, Islington and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene."

The brigade said the cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Somerset House was due to host a day of breakdancing on Saturday but has since been closed as emergency services respond to the fire.

In a statement, Somerset House said: "Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building.

"All staff and public are safe and the site is closed.

"The London Fire Brigade arrived swiftly and we're working very closely with them to control the spread of the fire."

Image: Firefighters tackling the blaze. Pic: Reuters
Image: A police officer outside the historic arts centre in London. Pic: Reuters

Somerset House, located on the banks of the River Thames, was once a royal palace and is now an arts, cultural and entertainment centre.

The Courtauld Gallery, home to one of the world's great art collections, is located in the building's North Wing.

The Somerset House site dates back to 1547 and it survived the Great Fire of London, civil war and more.

Michelle Birkby, 50, who lives in London, said: "I was walking along the South Bank, and could smell smoke, looked up and saw smoke coming out of the top of Somerset House.

"At first I assumed it was a barbecue in the courtyard, or some sort of event, but then I heard the fire engines, realised the smoke was billowing out of control and that Somerset House was on fire.

"It's a place I visit quite often and I know it's beautiful and I really hope they can stop the fire before it does too much damage."

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