A bingo hall in Cricklewood has been heavily damaged by smoke following a blaze this morning.

The venue, thought to be the Beacon Bingo Hall in Cricklewood Broadway, was ravaged by flames at about 2.40am.

Ten fire engines and about 50 firefighters from the surrounding area attended the scene close to Cricklewood rail station and had the fire under control by 6pm.

A fire service spokesman said part of the ground and first floor of the two storey building were damaged in the blaze, and there was heavy smoke damage throughout the building.

He added: "Firefighters worked hard in the early stages to stop the fire spreading. Good support with other agencies meant we were able to open Cricklewood Broadway by around 6.30am."

Some fire crews stayed at the scene until about 1.30pm and the bingo hall remained closed throughout the day.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.