A church hall went up in smoke overnight as it was devastated by fire.

The blaze destroyed the building next to Saint Helier Congregational Church‎ in Green Lane, Morden, which began at about 8.30pm on Sunday evening.

Gemma Tombs, who witnessed the fire, said: "It sounded like the church hall was packed with fireworks.

"Horrendous noise. Sounded like someone with a machine gun."

Fire crews are still at the scene damping down the fire and are awaiting the arrival of an asbestos removal team.

It is understood that the walls of the church hall were made of asbestos sheeting and the fire required six London Fire Brigade crews and a police cordon in Green Lane.

A crew member at Sutton fire station, the first team at the scene, said the fire was visible from the Rose Hill roundabout and had attracted several 999 calls.

He said: "The fire was quite well established by the time we were called.

"We saw large flames coming out of the rear roof of the building next to the church."

There have been no injuries reported and it is believed the church hall was vacant.

A fire investigation team will seek to determine the cause of the fire, which is currently unknown.

Did you see what happened? Do you attend this church? Contact Omar by calling 020 8722 6335; tweeting @OmarOakes or emailing: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.