RESIDENTS have spoken of their horror at yesterday’s fire which blazed through the backyards of terraced shops and flats in New Cross Road.

Around 30 firefighters tackled the flames after a rubbish fire burnt out of control and set three outbuildings alight – completely destroying one and damaging two others.

Crews were called at 1.54pm and six fire engines attended the scene – managing to control the fire within an hour.

The owner of restaurant Goddis – which was scorched by the flames – had to evacuate people from the three-storey building.

Owner Godwin Nede said: “It’s been terrible.

“There was a lot of smoke. Thick smoke which affects your breathing.

“I think anyone would be a bit scared but the fire brigade did a very wonderful job, very efficient.”

Manager of Best Kebab take-away - which backs onto the burnt yards - Mehmet Keso said: “It was big flames.

“It could have been really bad. In fifteen minutes it had spread next door, so imagine if they [fire brigade] had come half an hour later. It would have been really dangerous.

“It would have been a miracle if no one got hurt.

“It would have gone to the next building and the next there and would have been a huge fire.”

Ray Shaw runs a barbers opposite the scene and could see smoke pluming above the three-storey building.

The 44-year-old said: “You could smell it. Big smoke was coming up over the building. It smelt bad and covered the road.”

Incident commander Paul Cartwright praised firefighters for their swift response and warned people of the dangers of burning rubbish.