A huge fire which ripped through a warehouse in Erith is being treated as suspicious, police say.

Almost 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were called to tackle the blaze in Yarnton Way in the early hours of Saturday morning (February 21).

The fire, which could be seen for miles around, completely destroyed the storage warehouse and damaged three lorries and two buildings nearby.

Firefighters remained at the scene damping down pockets of fire on Saturday and Sunday.

Yarnton Way remained closed to traffic until around 1.45pm on Sunday.

Police are now appealing for information about the blaze.

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Photo: Konrad Cawley

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, of Bexley police, said: "My team are working tirelessly to investigate this incident which we are treating as arson.

“We believe that this fire was started deliberately and I would appeal to anyone who may have any information to contact us.”

DCI Holmes urged anyone in the vicinity of the Yarnton Way industrial estate during the early hours of Saturday morning, who may have seen anything suspicious, to come forward.

He added: “Thankfully no one was hurt during this incident but if anyone had been in the building there is no doubt they would have been killed.

“The person responsible is still at large and must be caught."

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Met Police Helicopters (@MPSinthesky) tweeted this photo of the fire's aftermath yesterday

More than 50 members of the public reported the fire.

Witnesses reported hearing several loud explosions and captured video footage showing plumes of smoke billowing into the sky above tall, bright flames.

Video: Konrad Cawley

Witness Ruth Bere said: "My house is directly opposite the site. The initial explosion was so powerful I actually thought someone was kicking in my back door."

London Fire Brigade said the blaze broke out at around 2am and was brought under control around three hours later.

Station manager Norman Perry said: "Fire crews worked hard to bring this under control.

"The blaze was in an industrial area and we managed to stop it spreading to any residential homes."

Residents were advised to close doors and windows due to the smoke.

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The fire completely destroyed the storage warehouse (Photo: @Lisiloo)

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Did you see the fire? Call the news desk on 01689 885726 or email harriet.collier@london.newsquest.co.uk.

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