Priceless Artworks safe as Fire rips through Somerset House, London, Roof

Around 125 firefighters are fighting a fire at Somerset House in London. Videos posted on social media show grey smoke billowing into the air from the landmark building, over the River Thames.

The director of Somerset House Trust said the fire broke out in the west wing of the building and there are "no artworks in that area".

There are no reported injuries and the cause of the fire, which was first reported around midday, is not yet known.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the entire site at Somerset House has been closed to the public whilst the blaze is dealt with. Posting on X, Somerset House wrote: "Owing to a fire in one small part of Somerset House, the site is currently closed. "London Battle and other events today will not take place. We apologise for any inconvenience."

Somerset House is also home to the Courtauld Gallery, a museum which houses the collection of the Samuel Courtauld Trust, including masterpieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Vincent Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is listed as a part of the Courtauld collection. The gallery also houses works by Edouard Manet, Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne.