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Morden mosque fire: 70 firefighters tackle blaze Morden mosque fire: 70 firefighters tackle blaze
(35 minutes later)
A large fire has broken out at a mosque in south London.A large fire has broken out at a mosque in south London.
The Baitul Futuh Mosque in London Road in Morden, which describes itself as the largest mosque in western Europe, was being tackled by 70 firefighters.The Baitul Futuh Mosque in London Road in Morden, which describes itself as the largest mosque in western Europe, was being tackled by 70 firefighters.
London Fire Brigade said about 50% of the building's ground floor was alight and the first floor was also on fire. London Fire Brigade said about 50% of the building's ground floor has been damaged as well as part of the first floor and a section of the roof.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said a man was taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation. The London Ambulance Service said a man was taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.
The brigade was called at just after 12:00 BST to the mosque, which also has a community centre attached.The brigade was called at just after 12:00 BST to the mosque, which also has a community centre attached.
Station Manager Philip Morton, who is at the scene, said: "This is a large fire and our crews are working hard to minimise fire spread to other parts of the mosque. Most of the damage is thought to have occurred at the front of the building, while the prayer area of the mosque is thought to be unaffected.
Only a handful of worshippers were inside the mosque when the blaze started and they were evacuated from the site.
Station manager Philip Morton said: "This is a large fire and our crews are working hard to minimise fire spread to other parts of the mosque.
"We are working closely with the local community to ensure our damage control operations take full regard of the religious significance of the building's contents.""We are working closely with the local community to ensure our damage control operations take full regard of the religious significance of the building's contents."
Julian Roman, from Morden, told the BBC: "There's really thick smoke at the minute. Julian Roman, from Morden, told the BBC: "I saw it start from my window. There was a tiny bit of smoke, some alarms.
"I saw it start from my window. There was a tiny bit of smoke, some alarms.
"Now there are firefighters, ambulances, hundreds of people.""Now there are firefighters, ambulances, hundreds of people."
The Baitul Futuh Mosque serves the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and was built on the site of the old Express Dairies in 1999. Major landmark
Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis described the mosque as a "major landmark" in the area. The 5.2 acre (2.1 hectare) mosque serves the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and there is space for at least 10,500 worshippers, according to its website.
Damage to the "beautiful building" will be a "big blow" to the community, he said. Fareed Ahmed from the Ahmadi Muslim Community UK said: "It's a very difficult time and obviously we're praying that it comes to a safe conclusion.
"This is a devastating accident to happen to any mosque."
Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis described the mosque as a "beautiful building" and a "major landmark" in the area.
Mr Alambritis said the mosque is manned by security staff and suggested the fire could have been caused by cooking preparations rather than an arson attack.Mr Alambritis said the mosque is manned by security staff and suggested the fire could have been caused by cooking preparations rather than an arson attack.
Lord Ahmad, a high-profile member of Ahmadiyya community and junior government minister, tweeted : "This is a beautiful mosque complex which has transcended barriers and been a beacon of peace -thoughts & prayers." Lord Ahmad, a high-profile member of Ahmadiyya community and junior government minister, tweeted: "This is a beautiful mosque complex which has transcended barriers and been a beacon of peace - thoughts & prayers."