Fire at flats in Lewisham: 'Heroes' rescue women and children

Firefighters have been described as heroes after they saved the lives of seven people from a fire in a block of flats in south-east London.

Station manager Ziggy Hurrion said his staff's quick thinking actions saved five women, a child and a baby from the fire in Campshill Road, Lewisham.

Four other people jumped from the first floor before crews arrived. Thirty one additional people were evacuated.

The fire at the four-storey block of flats broke out at 02:30 BST.

It was under control just over two hours later.

Firefighters used a hydraulic platform and ladders to rescue three women, the child and baby from the flats, while two women were saved from a ground floor by firefighters using breathing apparatus.

Mr Hurrion said: "Both our control officers, who handled the 999 calls from those inside the flats, and the brave actions of our firefighters, ensured that five women and two children were safely rescued from the blaze.

"They were all heroes this morning."

Nine people were taken to hospital, however nobody is thought to be seriously injured.

Parts of the ground, first, second and third floors of the building were damaged by fire.

The brigade's fire investigators are carrying out a thorough investigation with Met Police officers to establish how the blaze started.