We have rounded up everything we know after a huge fire engulfed a block of flats said to have safety issues, forcing 100 people to evacuate.

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

Children and families were among those evacuated from the burning building which lasted for more than eight hours.

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

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe declared the building has "a number of safety issues" known to the brigade and announced a "major incident."

RELATED NEWS: Freshwater Road, Dagenham fire prompts mass evacuation

Severe fire damage to the mixed-use building (Image: Darren Sidey)

The fire took place in a mixed-use residential and commercial building on Freshwater Road.

After the blaze, a rest centre was established in Beacontree Health and Leisure Centre, Dagenham.

Dramatic photos from the scene taken by drone at about 6am revealed the severe extent of the damage.

Drone footage shot this morningDrone footage shot this morning (Image: Darren Sidey)

These were taken by Darren Sidey who took captured them via drone after spotting a large plume 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," he added.

A massive response from the LFBA massive response from the LFB (Image: LFB)

Darren was among many who raised their concern about the blaze.

Kam Rai, leader of Redbridge Council, took to X, stating that the fire was "extremely concerning" and said he had been in touch with the fire service to understand what could be done to reduce risk in future.

"The fire overnight in Dagenham is extremely concerning, my gratitude to the emergency services & prayers for everyone affected," Cllr Rai added on the social media site.

A long night for firefightersA long night for firefighters (Image: LFB)

It took the brigade more than eight hours to extinguish the blaze - it was only under control by 11.11am, according to the LFB.

A full investigation has been launched, confirmed Commissioner Roe, who expressed his gratitude towards firefighters.

"We will now begin a full investigation into the fire and its cause," said London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe.

"I am immensely grateful to the crews and officers who have operated in the most dangerous conditions to both rescue people and bring the incident under control despite being faced with a significant building failure," he added.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said he on X that he is in "close contact" with the commissioner and emergency services who he credited for working "tirelessly" throughout the night.

Concerns have been raised about the building's safety after Commissioner Roe mentioned issues known to the LFB.

The building had 'safety issues' known to the LFBThe building had 'safety issues' known to the LFB (Image: Darren Sidey)

Grenfell United, a group for survivors and bereaved families of the tragic west London Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which claimed the lives of 72 people, released a statement expressing sympathy with people affected.

"Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the fire in Dagenham this morning, we hope all residents are safe and adequately cared for by the authorities," Grenfell United said on X.