A woman’s cats have died in the Finchley Road fire, which has ripped through a shop and block of flats.

Ham & High: A fire is raging through a phone repairs shop and the flats above in Finchley Road. Picture: Alison MA fire is raging through a phone repairs shop and the flats above in Finchley Road. Picture: Alison M (Image: Archant)

Firefighters are still working to put out the flames almost 30 hours since the London Fire Brigade was first called to the scene at 6.30am yesterday morning.

o2 centre manager Jason King said the shopping centre provided shelter for the 25 people who were rescued from the blaze yesterday, among them a woman whose two cats sadly died in the fire.

He said: “We had people in their pyjamas having breakfast and lunch in the Apostrophe café.”

All those rescued yesterday were found emergency accommodation, Mr King said.

The o2 Centre has lost its gas supply, forcing all traders who depend on the supply to close. It could take up to a month to re-establish the gas supply, according to Mr King.

The Vue cinema and Sainsbury’s supermarket remain open but cafes and restaurants are expected to close later today as their hot water supply is due to run out.

There is currently no access to the car park, and Finchley Road remains closed northbound.

Mr King said trade has been hit hard.