Woman dies in fire at council high rise in Barking
A woman has died in a fire at a flat in Barking, east London.
London Fire Brigade said six fire engines had been sent to the fire on the fifth floor of a 15-storey council block at 08:24 GMT.
About 20 people were evacuated from Lexham House on King Edward's Road and the occupants of three flats have been offered temporary accommodation.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
London Fire Brigade said about 30 firefighters had been sent to the fire from Kingsland, East Ham, Plaistow and Barking.
Police said the victim was believed to be aged 70 but had not yet been formally identified.
The fire, which affected half of the flat, did not spread and was under control by 10:40 GMT.
A spokesman for Barking and Dagenham Council said the evacuated residents were placed in a nearby children's centre while the fire was dealt with.