Police are treating the blaze as suspicious and say three people were seen leaving the area when it began to erupt.
A huge fire has broken out at a Poundland in east London, with 97 firefighters battling to get the blaze under control.
Witnesses posted video on social media of the discount shop in Chingford being engulfed by flames and the building’s roof has been partially destroyed.
Half of the ground floor and parts of the first floor were also alight, as nearby homes were evacuated and shocked residents looked on.
One person wrote on Twitter: Shop burning down at Chingford Mount! Pray there’s no one in there. Horrific!!
Police are treating the fire as suspicious and say three suspects were seen leaving the area shortly after it began.
No injuries have been reported, and a Metropolitan Police spokesman says no arrests have been made so far.
London Fire Brigade said it was called to the store on Old Church Road at 6.54pm on Thursday evening. A statement said: The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
Witness Claire Barker wrote on Twitter: “Amazing work being done by firefighters at #chingford fire.