Two men were injured after an explosion at construction site caused a fire in one of London's most exclusive shopping streets last night (November 10).

About 40 people were evacuated from the building under construction in St James's Street just down from Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly at rush hour.

The injured men were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

London Fire Brigade believe the fire was caused by the ignition of flammable gases from the five foam cannisters at the site.

A spokesman said: "We sent two fire engines from Soho to the scene. The Brigade was called at 5.21pm and the fire was brought under control at 7.27pm."

St James's Street is home to high-end shops such as wine and spirit merchants, Berry Bros and Rudd, and gunmakers Beretta.