Dozens of people posted pictures on Twitter of thick black smoke billowing up from the scene in Great Portland Street.

The London Fire Brigade said the blaze was in the lift motor room of a building which is being refurbished.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 12.22pm.

A spokesman for the LFB said: “Four fire engines and 20 firefighters attended a fire at a building on Great Portland Street.

“It was very visible and we’ve taken 35 999 calls.”

Firefighters received praise on social media, with Anna Appleton tweeting: “Good work from @LondonFire – fire on #greatportlandstreet under control very quickly after they arrived.”

The blaze was extinguished an hour after firefighters were first called.