Large fire blackens London skyline
Posted: 19 March 2009 0131 hrs

	Photos  of

LONDON: A huge blaze broke out in the building housing the immigration court at the heart of London on Wednesday, filling the city skyline with black smoke.

The fire took hold in the roof of Field House, home to the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal.

The building is close to the historic Royal Courts of Justice and the preserved house of dictionary writer Samuel Johnson. The area is a centre for the legal profession.

Twelve engines and 60 firefighters were sent to the blaze, London Fire Brigade said.

"There are reports of cylinders involved in the fire. We believe the roof area was under refurbishment," an LFB spokesman said.

A Tribunals Service spokeswoman said all their staff were safely out of the building. - AFP/de