A DISCOUNT store has been completely ruined after a gigantic blaze broke out last night.

Almost 100 fire fighters and 15 fire engines were called to the fire at Poundland in Old Church Road, Chingford yesterday (Wednesday, August 23).

A mother and daughter in a flat next door spotted smoke coming from the building just before 7pm when emergency services rushed to the scene.

The flames completely destroyed both floors, the roof, and part of the roof of a nearby flat.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Photo: London Fire Brigade

Six people were evacuated from the shop and 16 escaped from the flats next door before the fire brigade got there.

The fire service has confirmed "everyone has been accounted for" and there was "no risk to life". 

Crowds gathered to watch the “horrific” blaze as it burnt fiercely for around seven hours until 2am.

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said it had been left a “dead building” and that officers are still on scene this morning cooling the area and removing debris.

Speaking last night fire station manager Danny Meakin said: “The fire has severely damaged the store, rooms above and roof. Firefighters are working hard to contain the fire and stop it from spreading.

“Crews will be at the scene throughout the night damping down pockets of fire.

"A mother and daughter in an adjacent flat saw smoke and evacuated the property unhurt."

Police claim three people were seen fleeing the area when the fire broke out, but a Met spokesman confirmed no one had yet been arrested.

People took to social media to express their horror at the intensity of the blaze, while the Salvation Army and members of local churches offered food and shelter to anyone affected.

Old Church Road is still closed between Priory Avenue and New Road for police to investigate.

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