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

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

The fire was extinguished by 9.45pm.

Firefighters rescued two women and two children from the first floor of the property using a nine-metre ladder. All four died at the scene, the force confirmed.

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

Andy Roe, the London Fire Commissioner, 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.”