Two women and two children dead after house fire in Bexleyheath

Two women and two children have died in a house fire in Bexleyheath.

Six fire engines and about 40 firefighters were called to the blaze in Hamilton Rad at around 8.30pm last night.

Crews in breathing apparatus found two women and two children on the first floor using a nine-metre ladder but they died at the scene.

One man left the building before the brigade arrived and has been taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “This is a truly terrible incident which is both sad and shocking. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and local community at this difficult time.”

Half of the ground floor and the whole of the first floor of the house was destroyed by fire.

The brigade was called at 8.28pm and the incident was over by 9.45pm

Fire crews from Bexley, Erith, Plumstead, Lee Green and Sidcup fire stations were in attendance.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has tweeted: “I am heartbroken to hear that two women and two children tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Bexleyheath last night.

“My heart goes out to their loved ones and the local community at this awful time.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.