TWO CHILDREN AND two women have died in a house fire in Bexleyheath in south-east London.

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

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.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe is offering his sincere condolences after a tragic house fire in #Bexleyheath. He said: “This is a truly terrible incident which is both sad and shocking. Our thoughts are with the family, friends & local community.” https://t.co/EUe1uOzb6p pic.twitter.com/aMlJH61Nyi

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) November 19, 2021

A man who left the building before firefighters arrived has been taken to hospital.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

“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.”