Three people have been taken to hospital after a devastating flat fire in Thamesmead this morning.

The London Fire Brigade said they were faced with a "very well developed fire" and the number of possessions hoarded inside the flat made it "challenging" for crews to deal with the blaze.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called alongside paramedics to the flat on Chadwick Way in Thamesmead at around 8am this morning (January 6).

The LFB said a first floor flat in a three-storey block was destroyed by the blaze, and part of a second floor flat was also damaged.

Four people had already left the building by the time firefighters arrived, but unfortunately two women and a man were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews. We await an update on their condition.

Fire crews from Plumstead, Erith, Bexley and East Greenwich fire stations were at the scene, and had the fire under control by 9am.

Station Commander Lisa King, who was at the scene, said: "Crews were faced with a very well developed fire when they arrived and worked hard to bring the blaze under control.

"There were a lot of possessions and clutter in the property which made it challenging for firefighters.

"Hoarding means exit routes can become blocked, making safe evacuation more difficult.

"Fires can also spread much faster, especially when there are flammable items such as newspapers or cardboard."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.