- The fire took place on Sanderstead Road in Croydon just after 11pm last night
Two people have been killed as a deadly blaze swept through a Croydon home, firefighters have confirmed.
The London Fire Brigade and other emergency services rushed to the scene on Sanderstead Road just after 11pm after receiving reports of a fire.
Two men died due to the intense smoke and flames despite best efforts from emergency services to save them, while two other men remain in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
The property, believed to be occupied by Polish nationals who are said to be squatters, was engulfed in flames, requiring six fire engines and an aerial ladder.
The blaze was spotted by concerned neighbours who alerted the authorities after noticing a fire erupting from a boarded-up building.
A devastating house fire in Croydon has reportedly led to several fatalities last night
The London Fire Brigade and other emergency services rushed to the scene on Sanderstead Road just after 11pm last night
Crime scene tents were erected around the property and the area remains cordoned off
Emergency services performed CPR and chest compressions in a desperate attempt to save the lives of those caught up in the fire.
The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, with the reason behind the fire currently a mystery.
It is understood that two people died at the scene and a third was taken to hospital with severe breathing difficulties. Two others took themselves to Croydon hospital.
Crime scene tents were erected around the property and the area remains cordoned off while investigations are ongoing.
Ambulances were in attendance and two people were killed
The blaze was spotted by concerned neighbours who alerted the authorities
The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: ‘Police were called by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) at 22:48hrs on Friday, 29 December to a house fire in Sanderstead Road, South Croydon.
‘Officers attended along with LFB and the London Ambulance Service.
‘Two men – no further details – were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Officers are working to inform their next of kin.
‘A third man was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.
‘A fourth and fifth man later self-presented at hospital. One of the men is in a life-threatening condition and the other has since been discharged.
‘The cause of the fire is under investigation by LFB and police.’
