A person jumped from the first floor of a building to safety, and another was taken to hospital after a fire at a workshop in Southwark.

Six fire engines and 40 firefighters responded to a fire at a storage unit and workshop on Union Street.

The fire destroyed the ground floor of the building, with heat and smoke severely damaging the first floor.

London Fire Brigade’s Control Officers received 21 calls about the fire, which started at 4.55pm.

Fire crews from Dowgate, Dockhead, Whitechapel, and nearby stations were mobilized to the scene.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 5.48pm.

Three people escaped the building before the firefighters arrived.

One person jumped from the first floor to safety, and another was taken to the hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

The ground floor unit was being used for repairing and storing pedicabs.

Investigators believe the fire was caused by the failure of multiple lithium batteries, which can cause intense fires or explosions if damaged or overheated.

Officials warn the public not to try to extinguish lithium battery fires, as they are extremely dangerous and hard to control.

The advice is to move away from such fires as quickly as possible.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Personal light electric vehicles, such as pedicabs, along with e-bikes and e-scooters, can be a fun and sustainable way of getting around London.

“However, e-bikes and e-scooters in particular have become one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks which is why London Fire Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe awareness campaign.

"From previous investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. 

“It’s important to get a conversion carried out by a professional or a competent person.

"It’s also important to make sure the conversion kits, batteries and chargers you’re purchasing for the bike is from a reputable seller. 

“At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standards.

“Products that fail to meet safety standards are at higher risk of malfunctioning.”