A huge fire has broken out at a building in central London, as around 40 firefighters rushed to extinguish the blaze, with smoke engulfing the capital's skyline.

Crews were alerted to a fire at two buildings near Tottenham Street at 7:43am earlier today.

The London Ambulance Service said that its first paramedic arrived on the scene less than two minutes after the emergency alert was received.

Alec McNally, station commander at the brigade, said: "This morning crews were called to a fire at Tottenham Street that involved two buildings.

Crews were alerted to a fire at two buildings near Tottenham Street at 7:43am earlier today

"[They] had to put out a fire that had developed onto an atrium-style conservatory, which was towards the roof of the building."

A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson said: “Most of the ground floor was damaged by the fire.

“One man was rescued from the building by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using a fire escape hood and was taken to hospital.”

Fire escape hoods can provide up to 15 minutes of protection from toxic smoke and gases.

The service received 14 calls about the incident and sent six fire engines, from Soho, Euston and Islington

A spokesperson from the London Ambulance Service said: "We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team".

The service received 14 calls about the incident and sent six fire engines, from Soho, Euston and Islington.

The LFB said they used a 32m turntable ladder to fight the fire from above.

The fire was under control within two hours, according to the LFB, who said the incident was over for firefighters by 9:36am.

Firefighters urged people to avoid the area, while locals were advised to keep windows and doors closed to avoid the smoke.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation.