Tragedy struck on Thursday as two women and two young children died in a house fire in London.
Gatekeepers News reports that they were rescued from the first floor of the semi-detached house on Hamilton Road, Bexleyheath, south-east London, at about 20:30 GMT on Thursday, but all four died at the scene.
It was gathered that the fire was extinguished at about 21:45 by London Fire Brigade (LFB).
A man who left the property before firefighters arrived was taken to hospital by ambulance as the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Neighbours said they heard children screaming and a “distraught” man outside the semi-detached terraced house that was “engulfed in flames”.
Builder Scott James, who lives nearby, said he believes the children involved in the fire were a toddler and a boy aged about five or six.
According to him, the family had only been in their recently renovated home for about five months.
He said: “I got overwhelmed by smoke and then the whole house was engulfed. The downstairs was on fire and then the whole house went up.”
James added: “I saw them yesterday and waved at them. I spoke to them just to say hello.
“It is very sad to wake up this morning and hear they have perished.”
The LFB sent six fire engines and 40 firefighters to the scene, including crews from Bexley, Erith, Plumstead, Lee Green and Sidcup fire stations.
LFB Commissioner Andy Roe 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.”
