Fire probe follows road closures

Black smoke could be seen for miles

An investigation has begun into a fire at a woodyard in north London which closed part of the M1 and a busy stretch of the North Circular road.

At its height on Saturday afternoon more than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze on an industrial estate near Staples Corner, north London.

The North Circular and the M1 have now fully reopened after being closed for more than six hours, causing gridlock.

Officers brought the fire under control overnight and are still at the scene.

Completely destroyed

Plumes of black smoke could be seen for miles as the fire engulfed a stack of waste timber and destroyed a number of haulage containers at the site.

Rail services passing the area were halted and power lines isolated.

Motorists also reported long delays as the North Circular from the Neasden interchange to the Brent Cross flyover and the M1 southbound from junction two to the North Circular was shut.

London Fire Brigade warned the public to take care with naked flames during the dry, hot weather.