TWO people have died when a helicopter crashed into a crane in Vauxhall, central London, and cartwheeled to the ground.

The stricken aircraft exploded into flames after hitting the crane, on top of a tower block by the Thames, before crashing into a street during rush hour.

Burning wreckage and aviation fuel covered the road as witnesses reported seeing cars on fire and hearing people screaming.

The Met Police said two people died at the scene and two had been taken to hospital.

Follow live coverage of the incident below.