Crews tackle major hostel blaze

In pictures: Hostel fire

A large fire has broken out at a hostel and converted church in west London.

The blaze broke out at the hostel in Shepherd's Bush Road just before 0700 BST and spread to the roof of Shepherd's Bush Baptist Church.

Twelve people were evacuated from the hostel and there are no reports of any injuries, London Fire Brigade said.

No-one remains inside the building, they added. The church roof has been badly damaged in the blaze and 80 firefighters remain at the scene.

The fire has largely been put out although fire crews continue to extinguish the embers.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

Water damage

The hostel houses single homeless people of all ages, some of whom misuse substances or have mental health issues.

It was not yet clear how many people were in the building at the time the fire broke out on the hostel's first floor, the fire brigade said.

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: "The fire on the first floor of the hostel was easily contained, but it had spread to the church.

"There is extensive water damage to the building. The self evacuees are helping police to determine how the fire began."

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has opened a community hall on the nearby Bush Green Estate to offer temporary accommodation.

An ambulance has been sent to the scene and police have cordoned off an area around the scene of the blaze.

Shepherd's Bush Road has been closed as investigations take place.