Huge blaze breaks out at Highbury Leisure Centre

A fire has broken out at a north London leisure centre, with more than 80 firefighters tackling the blaze.

Highbury Leisure Centre, located just yards from the Highbury and Islington tube and rail station, was evacuated at around 12noon, following the raising of the alarm.

"Around 100 members of the public and staff left the building and there are no reports of any injuries," the London Fire Brigade said in a statement.

Smoke from the fire could be seen across London and the station was also forced to close temporarily as a precaution, due to smoke entering the station building.

The blaze comes less than a year after the completion of a multi-million pound extension at the centre.

Operated by GLL, the facility houses two swimming pools and a health club with large gym floor and two studios offering a wide range of fitness classes.