Dozens of fire crew are tackling a blaze at the popular London tourist hotspot of Camden Market, with the flames and smoke being seen from miles around.

Social media users have posted dramatic images of the blaze from the scene in the north of the British capital.

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Eight fire engines, an aerial ladder and about 60 firefighters were initially sent to the area but London Fire Brigade said that this has increased and now 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters are attending the scene.

The first emergency call came at just before midnight on Sunday (9 July) and the brigade has said on Twitter that people should "please avoid the area".

There are images that social media users have shared showing the extent of the flames above the surrounding buildings.

The market is an epicentre for tourism with around 1,000 shops and stalls.

One Twitter user, the blogger Jo Brodie, wrote: "Gosh it's awful. I sincerely hope no-one hurt - such a busy part of London at all hours."

London Ambulance Service told Sky News it was not currently treating any casualties.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called on Monday at 12.10am to Camden Lock Market to reports of a fire. London Fire Brigade were already at the scene when officers arrived.

"It is unknown at this stage if any persons are injured, we await update," a police spokeswoman said.

Another eye-witness Joan Ribes, 24, said that the "fire was flying through the air to the surrounding areas.

"The fire was moving very fast. People were watching, but we were scared the building could explode at any time since there are restaurants with kitchens nearby," she said, according to the Independent.

In 2008, there was a devastating fire in the market which impacted the area's businesses.