Two people have died during a fire in Ladywell this morning in a row of garages used by homeless people.

The fire broke out at a row of eight garages in Malyons Road. Fire crews were called at 8.28am and entered the garages, finding a man and a woman who were pronounced dead at the scene at 9.10am.

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: "One man left before the arrival of the brigade and was treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service, before being taken to hospital. Sadly two other people were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Most of the garage was damaged in the blaze and a gas cylinder that was inside the garage was cooled down by crews."

One resident said: "We heard some loud bangs this morning which we now know were propane gas canisters exploding.

"There was a homeless guy shouting this morning that his girlfriend was in the garage that was on fire. 

"Soon after the fire brigade arrived.

"I know one person was taken to hospital and believe there may have been another couple in there. 

"It's been an accident waiting to happen as the garages are full of junk and there are no proper locks on them."

The brigade was called at 8.28am and the incident was over at 10.29am. Met Police are investigating and road closures are in place.