Teenager dies in blaze next to empty fire station

A teenage boy has died following a blaze next to a fire station in south-east London, which was empty as firefighters were attending another incident.

The fire broke out in a first-floor flat just before 15:00 GMT on Wednesday on Cooper's Road in Bermondsey, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. Crews were on the scene within six minutes and it was brought under control by 16:34.

One teenager was declared dead at the scene. A second teenager left before four fire engines and 25 firefighters arrived and was taken to hospital.

Crews from Dockhead, Dowgate and Shadwell attended the scene because teams from Old Kent Road were tackling another incident at the time, LFB told the BBC.

Old Kent Road fire station crews attended once they had returned, LFB added. Its 64m turntable ladder was used.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

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