Child dies after fire in block of flats in London

A child has died after a fire at a block of flats in south-east London.

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

All three were taken to hospital, where one of the children died.

The woman, 34, and the other child remain in a “serious condition”, police said.

The fire service said six engines and about 40 firefighters were called to the blaze at the block of flats in Russett Way, Greenwich, at 5.44am on Saturday. The blaze was under control by 6.49am.

The London fire brigade said part of the top floor of the split-level maisonette was damaged by the flames.

It added: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a woman and two children from the top floor of the property.

“They have all been taken to hospital by London ambulance service crews, where sadly one of the children passed away.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

The Metropolitan police said: “Police were called by the London fire brigade at approximately 05:56hrs on Saturday 6 March to reports of a fire at a residential property in Russett Way, Greenwich.

“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.”