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Blaze breaks out at London's largest mosque

September 27, 2015

Dozens of firefighters have been combating the flames at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, southwest London. The mosque is considered to be the largest Muslim place of worship in western Europe.

https://p.dw.com/p/1Ge9u
England London Brand in der Baitul Futuh Moschee
Image: picture alliance/empics

The fire, which broke out at the complex on Saturday, caused substantial damage. One man was taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation, according to the London Ambulance Service.

"There were no people at prayer at the time. It does seem that evacuation procedures worked," said leader of the local authority Stephen Alambritis.

"The congregation there, especially on a Friday, are very large and peaceful and they add very much to the community. This will be a blow to their operation but they will be back," he added.

Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines were sent to fight the blaze, with smoke visible from across the city.

The fire damaged several administration buildings, but the "mosque itself is thankfully unaffected," said the London Fire Brigade.

Around 30 people were reported to have left the building before the emergency services arrived at the scene.

The Baitul Futuh complex covers 2.1 hectares (5.2 acres), and the central building can accommodate 10,500 worshippers, according to the mosque's website. The dome stands at 23 meters (75 feet) above ground level.

An investigation is underway into the incident.

dj/lw (KNA, AFP)