Dozens flee as fire tears through block of flats

Dozens of people fled a block of flats when an early morning fire broke out in east London.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway after 59 residents were forced to flee the burning block in Stratford at around 6.30 this morning.

One woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries, the London Fire Brigade said.

A spokesman added: "A four roomed flat on the seventh floor was slightly damaged by fire and an external balcony on the sixth floor was completely destoyed.

"The fire had started on the balcony. Fifty nine residents left the block before the Brigade arrived. "

Thirty five firefighters from four stations attended the scene in Church Street, and the blaze was brought under control by 8.36am.