SEVENTY five firefighters spent Thursday night tackling a massive blaze at a car scrap yard.

A 200m exclusion zone had to be set up around an industrial estate in Maypole Crescent, Slade Green amid fears a gas cylinder might explode.

Fifteen crews from across London, including specialist appliances, were called to the scene at around 4.15pm as thick black smoke billowed across the skyline.

Nearby businesses were quickly evacuated after firefighters discovered the unstable acetylene cylinder.

One woman living nearby said she thought she heard explosions from the site. She said: "I can’t believe how big the fire is. It is just incredible."

They remained at the scene on Friday morning dealing with deep pockets of fire and damping down.

* If you witnessed the fire or have any photographs, call the Bexley Extra newsdesk on 020 8308 7401.