A covered yard area at the rear of a restaurant which was converted into storage has been destroyed by a fire.

Firefighters were called to a fire on Balham High Road in Wandsworth at 3.47am yesterday morning (February 4).

The fire was located at a restaurant on the ground floor of a three storey building, which has residential properties above.

Around 30 people left the surrounding area before firefighters arrived. 

Local residents were evacuated due to the smoke; there were no injuries were reported.

The fire was under control by 6.10am.

Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters from Tooting, Clapham, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Brigade.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: "Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire on Balham High Road in Wandsworth. 

"Firefighters tackled a fire at a restaurant on the ground floor of a three storey building, which has residential properties above.

"A covered yard area at the rear of the restaurant, which was converted into storage, was destroyed by fire.

"Around 30 people left the surrounding area before firefighters arrived.

"There were no reports of any injuries.

"The Brigade was called at 0347 and the fire was under control by 0610 . Fire crews from Tooting, Clapham, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene."

The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Brigade.