Film crew sparks mass panic as huge fire and 'five explosions' rock Thames yards from London's O2 arena leaving the area shrouded in thick smoke

'Loud bangs and explosions' have been heard near the O2 as videos show huge plumes of smoke pouring into the air, terrifying residents - before it was confirmed that it was a film set.

Videos from the scene showed flames and huge black clouds swirling above the London venue.

London Fire Brigade are responding to a fire involving half of a car and a lorry, after they were called at 7.51pm.

They have four fire engines and 25 firefighters tackling the blaze at an open air yard on Dock Road in Silvertown - and could not confirm whether or not it was a film crew.

A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed it was a 'pre-planned filming event in the Canning Town area', and there is no risk to the public.

The blaze appeared to have broken out in warehouses on the Isle of Dogs - across the river from the iconic venue.

But horrified locals - who were unaware of what was going on - took to social media to share their worry.

Lauren Gregory said that it was a 'relief' that the huge bangs and smoke were from a film set.

She told MailOnline: 'It was quite scary as the explosions were very loud and the smoke appeared quickly with more explosions heard shortly after with no one knowing what was going on.'

Christopher Golds, added: 'Some sort of huge explosion in East London on the opposite side of the Thames to the O2. Emergency services already there.' 

Another, Sasha Stolp, said: 'There has just been a series of explosions opposite the O2.' 

And Valley Fontaine posted: 'What were those two loud bangs and black smoke near O2?'

This is a breaking story. More to follow.