About 100 firefighters have tackled a blaze which spread through a row of shops in east London.

The fire started in a mid-terrace shop in Sherrard Road, in Forest Gate, Newham, and spread through four neighbouring premises and two flats.

London Fire Brigade said it was called just before 22.30 BST on Sunday, and it had brought the blaze under control shortly after 03.00 BST.

One man has been treated by firefighters for smoke inhalation.

About 26 local residents left premises surrounding the blaze before fire crews arrived.

Images being shared on social media show flames and plumes of smoke billowing from a row of shops.

Image Copyright @Fazel1986@FAZEL1986

Report

Fifteen fire engines from 13 stations attended, including aerial crews,

"The fire spread through several old shop premises and was difficult to gain control of due to it spreading in different ways," an LFB spokesman said in a statement.

"A range of equipment has been used to tackle the fire, our crews have used breathing apparatus to carry out searches of all of the premises and we used our aerial appliances to observe from above. We also used our drone to gain a better view of the fire."

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the LFB and police.