Old police station on fire in Elstree Way in Borehamwood

At least six fire engines were at the scene in Elstree Way, opposite The Venue, with the blaze believed to have started around 7.30pm.

The building is derelict and has been for many years.

Smoke has been spilling out of one side of the building but the fire is now under control and the last of the fire has been put out.

But there is a strong smell of smoke in the air.

Smoke is visible but the fire appears to be under control

Incident response officers at the scene

A wide cordon remains in place with police blocking both ends of Elstree Way - at the junctions of Shenley Road and Studio Way.

There's no access from some side streets too or the car park for the Hertsmere Borough Council offices.

The street has been open to pedestrians while the incident was ongoing but only on one side.

Fire crews from both London and Hertfordshire have been in attendance, including Borehamwood, two from Watford, and one from St Albans - Borehamwood's fire station is just yards down the road.

Two incident response units also attended, with one parked up at the Shell petrol station next door to the building on fire.

Several police cars, a couple of unmarked police vehicles and ambulances also attended in what was a major emergency services presence.

Councillor Glenn Briski, who lives nearby, said he saw the first firefighters on the scene breaking through a metal fence to get onto the site. He added there was plenty of visible smoke at that time but he did not see any flames.

We're told people were rushed away from the petrol station as firefighters attempted to reach the fire.

Nearby flats have not been evacuated but a police officer has been spotted speaking to some residents.

An incident response unit at the petrol station which is right next doot to the building which was on fire

Herts Police have posted on Facebook: "Please avoid Elstree Way in Borehamwood near to the old police station. There is a fire ongoing in the building and a number of roads are closed. Emergency services are dealing at the scene."

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue added: "We are currently in attendance at a large derelict building fire on Elstree Way in Borehamwood - there are 6 fire engines as well as the Command Support Unit and it's support pump. Please avoid the area if possible."

It's not been revealed what caused the fire to break out but enquiries were being carried out at the scene.

At around 9.30pm, some of the fire crews began clearing away.