Fire crews are at the scene of a blaze in London’s Great Portland Street.
The London Fire Brigade sent four fire engines to the building which is under refurbishment.
Plumes of black smoke were visible on the capital’s skyline and the service said it had received 35 emergency calls alerting it to the blaze.
Eyewitness Rachel Snelgar took this image, describing the fire as 'horrendous'
Crews arrived at the scene at 12.22pm and were praised for bringing the fire under control quickly, with Anna Appleton tweeting: "Good work from @LondonFire - fire on #greatportlandstreet under control very quickly after they arrived."
As of 1.30pm London Fire Brigade said the fire had been extinguished.
Motorists were initially warned to avoid the area due to a build up of heavy traffic and the surrounding roads were closed temporarily.
The fire, visible from the BBC in nearby Portland Place, was believed to have started in a lift motor room on the roof of the premises.
BBC presenter Jeremy Vine tweeted an image of the blaze, remarking how close it is to his radio studio.