A serious fire has ravaged London landmark, the Cutty Sark ship

A fire has ripped through the 19th Century ship Cutty Sark in south-east London.

The fire is believed to have caused serious damage to the ship, which was undergoing refurbishment.

Firefighters responded to the emergency at around 5am on Monday morning. Eight fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze which police are treating as suspicious, according to the BBC website.

Royal & Sun Alliance, who insured the famous landmark, said they did not expect their financial exposure to be material.

Greenwhich town centre, near where the ship is dry docked, was closed to traffic.