Around 60 firefighters have been tackling a fire at a Michelin-star restaurant in central London as black smoke was seen billowing from the building across the capital. 

The blaze broke out at a building in Albemarle Street in Mayfair at about 4pm on Thursday, with video footage on social media showing firefighters entering the Gymkhana Indian restaurant.

One witness said people had to take cover while ash fell from the sky. Police confirmed no one was trapped inside the restaurant.

London Fire Brigade said: “Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters have been called to a fire at a restaurant in Albemarle Street in Mayfair.

“Part of the ground floor restaurant and part of the ducting – the ventilation system – from ground floor to roof level is alight.

“The brigade was called at 4.08pm. Fire crews from Soho, Lambeth, Kensington, Euston, Paddington, Chelsea and Dowgate fire stations are at the scene.

“The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.”