Two dead in Kingston flat fire
Two men have died in a fire in a flat above a shop in south-west London.
Surrounding properties were evacuated after firefighters were called to Tolworth Rise South, Kingston, at 04:55 GMT.
Two men were pronounced dead at the scene and five more were taken to a west London hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
The fire was under control by 07:44 and the cause is under investigation.
London Fire Brigade said the first floor and a loft conversion of one flat were alight, as well as the loft conversion of the adjacent flat.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman added: "We sent four ambulance crews, our hazardous area response team and an incident response officer.
"We assessed five patients and took them to hospital. Sadly, two people were dead at the scene."
Eight fire engines from New Malden, Surbiton, Sutton, Wimbledon, Kingston and other nearby stations attended.
Five people in neighbouring properties were evacuated and given temporary accommodation by Kingston Council.
The council said it was working closely with the fire brigade and the police.
Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, sent his "sincere condolences" when he heard of the first victim's death.
Tolworth Rise South is a service road running parallel to the southbound A3.
It is closed between Southwood Drive and Oakdene Drive, Transport for London said.