Shocked bank workers evacuated following fire (From Times Series)

Shocked bank workers evacuated following fire in Hendon

3:28pm Monday 15th October 2012 in News By Emma Innes

Shocked bank workers were evacuated following a blaze in Hendon this afternoon.

Twenty firefighters, five fire engines and three ambulances were called to Central Circus at 1.15pm following reports that the roof of a block of flats was ablaze.

A large dome on top of the roof was seriously damaged and the fire was not brought under control until 2.30pm.

Two banks, HSBC and NatWest, were evacuated by the fire brigade and staff had to remain outside for more than an hour.

Keyur Desai, a cashier at NatWest, said: “A customer came in and said there was a fire.

“Then a fireman came in and told us all to get out.

“We just rushed out. We were just worried about getting out as quickly as possible.”

Maya Grzelka, who works in Metro Local opposite the scene of the fire, said: “There was lots of smoke and fire.

“The smell is really strong. I couldn’t believe it.”

While the fire was being brought under control police closed the northbound carriageway of Hendon Way between the North Circular Road and Queen’s Road.

Vivian Avenue was also closed.

Thomas Duran, 47, who lives in Watford Way, said: “We could see the fire and lots of smoke, then all the fire engines arrived.

“The turret was burning, there was smoke everywhere and lots of police.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation and no injuries have been reported.