POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a fire at a petrol station this morning.

Officers evacuated 30 people from their homes shortly before 3am today (December 23), after the blaze broke out at the Total service station in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green.

Four fire engines and about 20 firefighters tackled the blaze – as it spread from the car wash area to the roof of the petrol station – and prevented it from igniting the fuel pumps.

Parts of some roads in the area were closed to traffic as a precaution, including Snakes Lane East, Chigwell Road, Prospect Way, Ray Lodge Road, Greenstead Avenue and Danbury Way.

The fire was brought under control just before 4am, at which time the roads were opened and people were allowed to return to their homes.

The garage is still closed while both the London Fire Brigade and the police carry out their investigations.

Anyone with information should contact Redbridge CID on 020 8345 2732, or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.