A new update on the fire that erupted at Somerset House has been issued after some 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines rushed to the historic landmark in London earlier today.

The arts venue said “all staff and public are safe” and that the building had been closed, following the fire on the Strand in central London on Saturday afternoon. 

The director of Somerset House Trust, which owns the building, said the fire broke out in the west wing of the building, where there are “no artworks”.

Jonathan Reekie, 59, who has been director of the trust for 10 years, said: “What I can confirm is that a fire was spotted at about midday in one corner of west wing, the site was immediately evacuated and the London Fire Brigade called, who arrived very quickly indeed.

“Everybody is safe and for now we want to let the London Fire Brigade get on and do their brilliant work. The west wing is mainly offices and back-of-house facilities, there are no artworks in that area.” 

The cause of the fire, which was first reported just before midday, is not yet known.

Smoke has been seen coming from the roof of the former stately home on The Strand in central London.

A break-dancing event due to be held at Somerset House has been cancelled due to the fire, staff who work in the building have said.

The London Battle was set to run from 2pm to 8.30pm, celebrating the sport’s Olympic debut in Paris. 

The event was described on the Somerset House website as “a day of dance and breaking showcases, workshops, live DJs and a big outdoor party, all culminating in a head-to-head dance battle between the four corners of London”.

In a statement, it said: “Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building.

“All staff and public are safe and the site is closed.

“The London Fire Brigade arrived swiftly and we’re working very closely with them to control the spread of the fire.”