Fire crews called to Paddy Power in Stoke Newington after it is filled with thick black smoke

Smoke was seen billowing out of Paddy Power in Stoke Newington High Street this afternoon, forcing gamblers to leave the premises.

Fire crews were called to the bookies at 1pm after reports of a smoke alarm, but said it was a false alarm.

However, passer-by Dominic Sutton said he couldn’t see through the thick smoke as he walked past the shop.

“There was loads of smoke,” he told the Gazette. “You couldn’t even see in there it was that thick. There were lots of people stood outside calmly and I couldn’t see any flames, so I’m not sure what’s happened.”