A major fire ravaged Britain’s world famous Camden Market in north London that took more than 100 firefighters to bring it under control, police said on Sunday.

London Fire Brigade said there were no reports of casualties. Six people, including three children spent the night at a sports centre after homes were evacuated as flames leapt 30 feet into the night sky on Saturday night.

London Fire Brigade station manager Guy Foster said, “The police had to carry out a large operation to clear what is a very busy area on a Saturday night and they have done an excellent job.” Camden Council said 100 beds were made available for people at the sports centre and about 20-odd who initially turned up were provided overnight accommodation at hotels.

The worst-hit areas were storage properties for the Canal Market and the famous pub the Hawley Arms, which was one of the area’s trendiest nightspots. Its customers have included showbiz people including singer Amy Winehouse, fashion designer and actress Sadie Frost, musician Pete Doherty, bands including
Police on Sunday urged people to avoid the area of Camden Market affected by the fire.

Chalk Farm Road and parts of Camden High Street, as well as surrounding one-way streets, are expected to be closed for the next three or four days, a Scotland Yard Spokesman said.