A large fire broke out at an office block in Croydon town centre.

A thick plume of black smoke and flames could be seen at the top of Delta Point, the former home of BT, in Wellesley Road this afternoon.

London Fire Brigade said it was called 1pm and had sent six engines to the scene. 

Ten people in the building when flames broke out had left before firefighters arrived. Firefighters had the blaze, which seriously damaged part of the roof, under control by 2.10pm.

London Ambulance Service said it was called to the fire but there were no casualties.

The 14-storey Delta Point, currently disused, is being converted into flats by developers Criterion Capital.

Workmen are thought to have been in the building, which achieved Hollywood fame in a Batman film three years ago, this week.

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Pic: RSPshout

Amy Smith, who works in Watling Street, opposite the site said: "First of all we saw a man working up there this morning has gone and shortly afterwards we saw the thick black smoke.

"There is loads. Cars have come to a halt and everyone is just staring."

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Photo: Bob Hales

Trams have been suspended between East Croydon and Reeves Corner.

Police have cordoned off part of Wellesley Road. Road traffic has been disrupted, with some motorists temporarily stuck inside the Wellesley Road NCP car park.

One witness said she initially feared the building could collapse.

Nicole Dzieniak, 20, said: "I was on my way to a beauty salon appointment when I saw the smoke and could see the flames inside and the smoke coming up from it.

"I don't know how they [the firefighters] managed to take control of it as I didn't see anyone on the top of the building.

"When I saw the flames I thought the building was going to collapse and that the flames were going to take over the building.

"I know that this building is abandoned and I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen."

Criterion Capital acquired Delta Point last year and plans to convert it into 350 one- and two-bed apartments. 

The building was used to film scenes for the Batman film the Dark Knight Rises, in which it was used to portrayed Gotham City's hospital, in 2011.

It is understood air conditioning units at the top of the building were being replaced this week.

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Photo: Jimmy Hackett