PART of the roof collapsed as firefighters tackled a blaze at a commercial garage in Dover today. The building was gutted and four cars inside were severely damaged. At one point firefighters had to leave the building because of the potential dangers.

Residents living nearby were evacuated when the fire broke out at the garage in Ethelbert Road, Tower Hamlets. It was feared that the flames might spread and acetylene cylinders in the premises might explode. The residents were later allowed to return to their homes. A total of 45 firefighters attended the blaze. The cause is being investigated.