Five people were rescued from a house fire in south east London.

In the early hours of August 15, firefighters in Rotherhithe responded to a house fire on Lower Road.

The fire damaged half of the ground-floor lounge.

London Fire Brigade promptly dispatched three fire engines and approximately 15 firefighters from Dockhead, Old Kent Road, and Peckham fire stations at 6.54am.

By 7.47am, they had the fire under control, but not before significant damage was done to the property.

Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, entered the building to rescue the occupants.

To ensure their safety, they used fire escape hoods, which provided temporary protection from the harmful gases produced by the fire.

These hoods are designed to offer up to 15 minutes of protection from gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, helping to filter toxic smoke and make breathing easier.

The hoods do not supply oxygen, but they are a critical tool in helping both conscious and unconscious individuals escape dangerous situations.

The five rescued individuals were assessed by London Ambulance Service crews.

Two men were subsequently taken to the hospital for further treatment, while the others were treated on-site.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the London Fire Brigade, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service.