Dramatic photos have revealed the extent of severe fire damage after a blaze in a block of flats with "a number of safety issues," according to the LFB.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent 40 fire engines and 225 firefighters to a block of flats on Freshwater Road, Dagenham, after being called at 2.44am today (August 26).

People including children had to leave the building as 100 people were evacuated.

A large plume of white smoke from the buildingA large plume of white smoke from the building (Image: Darren Sidey)

Four people were treated by the London Ambulance Service and two of those were rushed to hospital.

Darren Sidey, who took photos of the fire damage at about 6am today, said he spotted a large plum of white smoke surrounding the building.

"I couldn't believe the number of fire engines," Darren said. "I counted over 50 appliances and flying the drone slightly closer to the building I could see the extent of the damage caused by fire."

Significant damage to the front of the buildingSignificant damage to the front of the building (Image: Darren Sidey)

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The building has "a number of safety issues known to the LFB" said London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe, who declared a "major incident."

Another aerial shot providedAnother aerial shot provided (Image: Darren Sidey)

A rest centre has been set up at Beacontree Health and Leisure Centre in Dagenham by the brigade.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.