The massive blaze broke out at the historic Lavender Hill Magistrates ' Court in south London just after 4.15pm yesterday . More than 80 firefighters battled to bring the fire which ripped through the Grade II listed building under control . Witnesses claimed people watched in tears as flames engulfed the tower of the theatre which then collapsed . 'Heartbroken ' artistic director David Jubb was overwhelmed by public generosity £22,000 was raised in just 24 hours .
The massive blaze broke out at the historic Battersea Arts Centre in south London just after 4.15pm yesterday . More than 80 firefighters battled to bring the fire which ripped through the Grade II listed building under control . Witnesses claimed people watched in tears as flames engulfed the tower of the theatre which then collapsed . 'Heartbroken ' artistic director David Jubb was overwhelmed by public generosity £22,000 was raised in just 24 hours .