Seven people rescued after fire tears through block of flats in south London

Firefighters battled to save seven people from huge flames after a blaze broke out at a block of flats in south London this morning.

Neighbours living in the four storey block heard firemen shouting ‘get the baby’ as they helped to save those trapped by the flames.

Emily, who lives next-door to the block told Metro: ‘I was woken up at 3.40am with firemen shouting “get the baby”. ‘One of the couples in the building has two children.

‘It went on for a quite a few hours, I tried looking outside but the smoke was so thick.’

She added: ‘I couldn’t make out what was happening due to how thick the smoke was, but I know one neighbour was definitely helping out at the front carrying water and blankets.’

The London Fire Brigade said around 60 firefighters were called to the fire which erupted in a first floor flat in Upper Norwood at around 3am.

Seven people were rescued using ladders and had been treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service.

Neighbours reported being woken up as early as 3.15am but were unable to make out what was going on due to the ‘very thick smoke’.

One man told Metro: ‘I could hear sirens and screaming from 3.15am. I live on the top floor flat next door but I couldn’t make out what was going on.

‘I just hope everyone is alright.’

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters have been tackling a fire at a block of flats on Church Road in Upper Norwood.

‘Part of the first floor was alight. Seven people were rescued from the building by firefighters using ladders and were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service.’

The LFB said a 32-metre turntable ladder was used to fight the fire, which was first reported around 3.30am, in Church Road from above.

Crews from West Norwood, Woodside, Norbury and surrounding fire stations were among the eight engines to attend the scene.

The blaze is now under control, the LFB confirmed.

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