One person killed in London fire

A resident has died after a fire broke out at a home for people with learning disabilities.

The huge blaze started in Connington Crescent, Chingford, north-east London, at about 02:15 BST.

Eight residents and four carers managed to get out of the three-storey block before firefighters arrived at the scene.

When crews arrived, two floors and the roof of the building were alight, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Paramedics treated the woman but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Local MP Iain Duncan Smith has described the death as a "terrible tragedy".

The former Conservative Party leader added: "My heart goes out to victims."

At its height, more than 70 firefighters and officers were sent to tackle the blaze.

LFB station manager Keith Williams said: "Firefighters have been working hard to contain the spread of the fire which has destroyed the roof.

"Crews expect to be here into the day, tackling hot spots."

One local resident who works at another care home told BBC Radio London: "It was about 05:15 when I heard all the noise and it woke me up.

"Having something like this happen is quite a concern for other care homes to be more vigilant."

She added: "It is a big concern because you do worry about your actual residents more than you do for yourself and try to get them out.

"So it is extremely said news that someone has actually died."

The building contains two supported living services, Connington Court and Connington House.

The Care Quality Commission said the two homes, both run by Sequence Care Group, catered for "adults with learning disabilities who may also have autism, complex needs or behaviours that challenge services".



BBC


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