Five people have been taken to hospital following a fire at a disused block of flats in Southwark.

Emergency services were called to Newcomen Street just after 4am today (December 3) to reports of the fire.

Half of the ground floor, part of the first floor, and the staircase connecting them were destroyed in the blaze.

The Brigade's 999 Control took around 10 calls about the fire.The Brigade's 999 Control took around 10 calls about the fire. (Image: London Fire Brigade)

Firefighters rescued one person from the roof using a ladder.

Two others were brought to safety from the second floor in the same way.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus and using smoke hoods rescued another two people from the basement.

All five were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

The fire was under control by 5.07am, with crews from Dowgate, Whitechapel, Old Kent Road, Dockhead, Lambeth, Soho, Peckham, and nearby stations attending.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade's fire investigation team.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters were called to a fire at a disused block of flats on Newcomen Street in Southwark early this morning.

“Half of the ground floor, part of the first floor and the staircase (from the ground to the first floor) were destroyed by fire.

“One person was rescued by ladder from the roof level of the three and four storey properties.

“Two people were rescued by ladder from the second floor.

“Two people were rescued from the basement by crews wearing breathing apparatus using smoke hoods.

“Five people were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

“Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people.

“If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer.

“They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.

“The Brigade's 999 Control centre operators received their first call alerting them to the fire at 4.07am and the fire was under control by 5.07am.

“Fire crews from Dowgate, Whitechapel, Old Kent Road, Dockhead, Lambeth, Soho, Peckham and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Met police and the Brigade's fire investigation team.”