A CLOSE-KNIT Plumstead community says it is distraught after two women died in a fierce fire which tore through a family home.

Three more women, two men and a dog managed to escape last night’s blaze in Purrett Road which saw 35 firefighters tackle the inferno for more than two hours.

Neighbours say they watched powerlessly as massive flames consumed the house from 12.50am before destroying half the roof and gutting the inside.

News Shopper: The house in Purrett Road where flames destroyed half the roof

Dorothy McCole, who lives opposite, told News Shopper: “All I could see was this house in flames, absolutely massive flames.

"It’s dreadful, I wish we could make it better.

“If you can imagine an open fire in a grate – that is what it was like. It was so fierce.

“We are very distraught because we are neighbours and we were powerless to do anything last night.

“I feel for the family and for those who aren’t with us.

“We are a very close-knit community up here.

“We want to be there for them.

“Some of the girls came over here and they rescued the dog. He’s an Alsatian called Max.”

Eleana Carroll, who also lives in Purrett Road, added: “I have never seen a thing like it in my life.

"It was terrible. I saw the flames. It was frightening.

“The flames were so high. I can’t believe it.”

Residents of Purrett Road say they were alerted to the fire by shouts followed by bangs like fireworks at around 1.30am.

Neighbours have named the victims as being from the Kaur family. Joshua Birdee, 18, says he went to Woolwich Polytechnic School with the son and often plays football with him.

News Shopper: Neighbour Joshua Birdee saw the fire and heard bangs like "fireworks"

The Greenwich University Student said: “At 1am there was lots of shouting. Then people were calling the police and fire engines.

“All the neighbourhood came together because we are a close neighbourhood.

“There were blasts and smoke about 1.30am. It was a big blast, like an explosion – like a lot of fireworks built into one.

"The house is all shattered inside.”

Six fire engines from Plumstead, Erith, Bexley and Woolwich attended the fire which has severely damaged the ground and first floor and destroyed half the roof.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation by police and fire investigation officers.

Scotland Yard said the families of the women who died have been told and the cause of the blaze does not appear to be suspicious.

A Met spokesman said: "It is believed two women died within the building; next of kin are aware.

"At this early stage the fire is not believed to be suspicious and inquiries continue."