The New Nation - Internet Edition

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Firefighters are continuing to hose down a huge fire which damaged Camden's famous market in north London, as investigators seach for its cause.

Police have lifted some cordons in residential streets erected when the blaze began early on Saturday evening.

But they have advised people to avoid the area as main streets could be closed for up to four days.

Storage buildings for the market and the Hawley Arms pub were severely damaged, but no injuries were reported.

Some 100 firefighters tackled the blaze, which began about 1920 GMT, and some are continuing to dampen down hotspots.

Although Camden Council set up an emergency shelter in a sports hall with 100 beds available, only six people, including three children, spent the night there after their homes were evacuated. About 20 others were given accommodation at hotels.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Chalk Farm Road and parts of Camden High Street, as well as surrounding one-way streets, are expected to be closed for the next three or four days."

"The police had to carry out a large operation to clear what is a very busy area on a Saturday night and they have done an excellent job to enable us to fight the fire effectively."

Residents had also been evacuated from some houses and flats.

A spokeswoman for Camden Council said it would keep open a rest centre for evacuees at Talacre Sports Centre "as long as it is needed".

Evacuees are being advised to call the council's emergency line on 0207 974 4444 for the latest information on rehousing.

Camden Council is also organising a meeting to help businesses affected by the fire on Sunday but have yet to confirm a time. Details will be posted on the council's website.

The meeting will be to provide advice, such as insurance and re-opening plans, to damaged businesses as well as those undamaged but within the cordon which remain closed, a spokeswoman said.

Train services passing through Camden Town on the North London line were suspended during the blaze, and the line remains partly closed due to scheduled engineering works on Sunday.

Network Rail said it would check if any damage was caused to the tracks by the fire.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said: "Our thoughts are with those people affected by the fire in Camden Market - one of the most thriving markets in London and of enormous importance for the economy of the local area and beyond."

Conservative mayoral candidate Boris Johnson said: "This will come as a terrible blow to their livelihoods and the area generally. My thoughts are with the traders, local residents and the emergency services who are, as usual, performing brilliantly under pressure."