Battersea Arts Centre hit by fire

13 March 2015, 17:35 | Updated: 13 March 2015, 19:16

Battersea Arts Centre, home of many contemporary theatre and opera productions, has caught fire.

Video has emerged of Battersea Arts Centre on fire:

Battersea Arts Centre on fire... pic.twitter.com/H2AOdsDNXj

— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) March 13, 2015

Reports on social media suggest the venue, which was undergoing serious renovations partly paid for by fundraising, appears to be damaged severely at the rear and on the main tower. The venue itself has confirmed that no-one was hurt and the building has been evacuated of staff and visitors.

Battersea Arts Centre. While rear of the roof and what looks like much of the back of the building is gone pic.twitter.com/QMH26Ecd9G

— Paul Foxcroft (@misterspidergod) March 13, 2015

Around 60 fire-fighters are reported to be at the scene tackling the blaze.

Terrible news,More than 60 firefighters are tackling a fire at the Battersea Arts Centre http://t.co/HirTujcsW4 pic.twitter.com/WosXerTsBT #art

— William H L Edgill (@Edgillwhl) March 13, 2015

The theatre has been the home of many operatic projects over the years, including Tête à Tête Opera, who tweeted:

IN SHOCK, OUR FIRST HOME: “@billbj: Huge fire breaks out at Battersea Arts Centre http://t.co/NUNW6hOLDD” @battersea_arts