A fire has broken out in Staines, with massive plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

The fire broke out at the former Tothill Car Park in Elmsleigh Road at around 12.30pm today (June 26).

A spokesperson for Surrey Fire and Rescue has urged people to avoid the area if possible. 

People are also advised to keep windows and doors shut due to the high volume of smoke.

A user on X (formally known as Twitter) claimed that they heard a huge explosion outside their house.

They added: “A tower block under construction down the road is now up in flames in Staines Upon Thames.”

Another person said: “Huge fire broken out in Staines town centre.

“Looks to be from the rooftop of the new flats being built.”

It is currently unknown if any injuries have been reported or what the cause of the fire is.

A spokesperson for Surrey Fire and Rescue said: “We received a call this afternoon around 12.30pm to a report of a fire at the former Tothill Car Park, Elmsleigh Road, Staines-upon-Thames.

“Crews remain at the scene tackling the fire.

“Please can you avoid the area if possible and we ask residents to keep their windows shut.