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A major fire which at times leapt 30m (100ft) into the air has destroyed part of the world-famous Camden Market in north London.

At its height, more than 100 firefighters fought the blaze as it consumed stalls, storage areas and a pub.

Witnesses reported hearing an explosion just after 7pm which blew out windows in buildings near the Camden Lock area. The fire took hold in a scaffolding-covered building in the Hawley Wharf part of the market on Chalk Farm Road.

Among the badly damaged buildings was the Hawley Arms pub, which has been a favourite with celebrities such as Amy Winehouse, the singer, and Sadie Frost, the fashion designer and actress.

Fire crews from across London using 20 fire engines managed to contain the blaze after several hours but ambulance teams and police remained at the scene.

There were no casualties, despite initial reports that people may have been trapped in the burning buildings.

Thousands of people had been crowding the market and bars in the area and had to be evacuated.

Ayman Preston, 22, who was drinking in a bar near the locks when the fire started, said: “I was standing there and the next thing I knew all the windows were flying through and I heard a loud bang.

“There was a minute' s silence and then there was panic. People were screaming but I didn’t see anyone injured.”

Camden market, which is popular with tourists and locals, opened in 1974 in a complex of former canal warehouses and disused industrial buildings.

By 11pm the flames had begun to die down and investigators were waiting to enter the buildings.

Do you have pictures from the Camden blaze? Send them to us via text on 07834 885058 or email them to onlinepics@thetimes.co.uk

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