Huge fire erupts near The O2 in London after ‘loud bangs and explosions’ heard as black smoke rises over River Thames

A FIRE has erupted in London sending flames into the air and thick black smoke over the O2 Arena.

Witnesses described loud bangs and an explosion before emergency services later arrived.

TwitterOne witness said they heard loud bangs before the flames erupted[/caption] Twitter/@LBCThe fire near the O2, to the right of frame, can be seen for miles[/caption]

Footage posted to social media shows the blaze in the city’s east burning at around 8pm today.

One witness...