Child dies after fire at block of flats in London

A child has died following a fire in a block of flats in south London that has also left a 34-year-old woman and another youngster in a serious condition.

Firefighters rescued a woman and two children from the top floor of the building, London Fire Brigade said.

All three were taken to hospital by London ambulance crews, where one of the children died. 

The fire service said six engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze at the block of maisonettes in Russett Way, Greenwich, at 5.44am on Saturday. 

In a separate blaze, the London Fire Brigade said a 34-year-old man has also died on Mitchison Road in Islington.

Firefighters found the man in the ground floor flat that was damaged in the blaze, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The fire service said six engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze at the block of maisonettes in Russett Way, Greenwich, at 5.44am on Saturday

Firefighters rescued a woman and two children from the top floor of the building, London Fire Brigade said

‘Part of the top floor of a split-level maisonette was damaged by the fire,’ London Fire Brigade said of the Greenwich fire.

‘Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a woman and two children from the top the floor of the property.

‘They have all been taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews, where sadly one of the children passed away.’

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘Three people, a 34-year-old woman and two children, sustained injuries and were taken to south London hospitals.

‘Despite the best efforts of the emergency services and hospital staff, one of the children sadly died shortly before 8am.

‘The 34-year-old woman and the second child remain in a serious condition.’

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

All three were taken to hospital by London ambulance crews, where one of the children died (smashed windows at the property)