HOMELESS people were inside a building which was engulfed in flames this morning, fire chiefs have confirmed.

Bosses said one person was "accounted for" but other people could have been inside.

Fifty-five firefighters are still battling the blaze in a disused pub in Greenford Road, Greenford, which started at 7.18am.

Richard Claydon, Southall fire station commander in charge of the operation, said: "At the moment I can't say that all persons are accounted for.

"We know the premises was being used by homeless people and we know for sure one person was inside and has been accounted for.

"We have had reports from police there may be other people involved who are not accounted for.

"At the moment we are not able to get in the premises due to the precarious conditions.

"As soon as we get the go-ahead from the borough surveyor we will be able to make a complete search of the top floors and confirm if anyone else was involved."

It is not clear how the fire was started but Mr Claydon said there would be a full investigation.

The fire, which gutted the inside of the building, also destroyed the roof which has now collapsed entirely.

Eyewitnesses said they saw smoke and flames coming from the roof of the building this morning. Ambulance crews and other emergency services are staying on the scene all day and it is not certain how long it will take before the fire is completely extinguished.

Eight fire engines, with crews using hydraulic equipment and powerful jet hoses, are still struggling to combat the blaze which has been raging for more than five hours.

Police have cordonned off the pavement but said there was no danger to nearby shops or houses.