Bexleyheath: Two children and two women die in London house fire

Two infants were among the deceased, the Metropolitan Police confirmed

A view of a damaged building at the scene of a house fire in Bexleyheath, south-east London, (REUTERS)

Two children and two women have died in a house fire in Bexleyheath in south-east London.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the two children were infants - a boy and a girl. All the deceased were known to each other.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said in a statement six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze on Hamilton Road around 8.30pm on Thursday.

Crews in breathing apparatus rescued two women and two children from the first floor using a nine metre ladder. All four died at the scene, the LFB said.

The cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious and there have been no arrests made at this stage, detective chief superintendent Trevor Lawry, head of policing for Bexley, Lewisham and Greenwich said.

“Our inquiries are ongoing and we will continue to work with our colleagues in the London Fire Brigade to fully understand the cause of this terrible incident,” Mr Lawry said.

All of the first floor was destroyed in the fire in addition to half of the ground floor.

A man who left the building before firefighters arrived has been taken to hospital with injuries to his legs. His condition is not thought to be life-threatening, the Met police said.

Next of kin have been informed and receiving specialist support from officers. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

People carry flowers to lay at the scene of a house fire (REUTERS)

Pictures from the scene in south east London show mourners laying flowers outside of the home which is still surrounded by police cordons as fire marshalls continue investigations.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he is “heartbroken” following the fatal incident.

“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 mayor said.

Mr Khan added that he is in close contact with the London Fire Brigade currently investigating the fire.

“This is a truly terrible incident which is both sad and shocking,” said London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and local community at this difficult time.”

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