Firefighters used a mechanical digger at a scrap metal yard to assist with extinguishing a fire at the site in Croydon early this morning.

London Fire Brigade was called to a blaze on Mitcham Road at around 4.40am which was creating a large plume of smoke.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Croydon, Norbury, Mitcham and Wallington fire stations attended the scene.

A mechanical digger was used to turn over the scrap metal to assist fire crews with reaching the blaze.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire was brought under control by around 8am and the cause of the blaze is now under investigation.

Station Commander Mike Dowden, who was at the scene, said: “The fire was producing a large plume of smoke, which has now subsided.

“An on-site mechanical digger was used to turn over the scrap metal, helping crews to access the fire.”

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a metal scrap yard on Mitcham Road in Croydon.

“A pile of scrap metal in open air was destroyed by fire.

“There were no reports of any injuries.

“The Brigade was called at 0440 and the fire was under control by 0757.

“Fire crews from Croydon, Norbury, Mitcham and Wallington fire stations attended the scene.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”