FIRE crews tackled a blaze at shops in Lady Margaret Road, Southall, yesterday morning (27).

Part of two single-storey shops in the same building were damaged. Around 10 people left the building before the brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

Investigators believe the blaze was caused by a discarded cigarette.

A spokesperson said: "The fire originated in waste material which had been stored at the front of the building.

"Firefighters were faced with a well-developed fire, which had spread into both shops."

The brigade was called at 10.24 and the fire was under control by 11.18. Four engines and around 25 crew from Southall, Ealing and Hillingdon were at the scene.