Baby dies after 'hazardous materials' incident

London Fire Brigade went to an address on Barking Road after reports of a chemical smell

A one-year-old child has died following a "hazardous materials" incident at a flat in east London.

Two adults and two children were taken to hospital after complaining about a smell of chemicals at the property in Barking Road, Upton Park in Newham. The baby later died while receiving treatment, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Crews were called to the incident just before 13:20 GMT and evacuated about 12 people from surrounding properties as a precaution.

The incident is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police with support from the fire brigade, LFB said.

Firefighters from Poplar, Millwall, Euston and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

Specially-trained firefighters carried out a "systematic sweep" of the property to detect any hazardous materials and ventilate the scene.

The incident was over for crews by 16:25, the brigade added.

A council spokesperson said their thoughts were with the family of the young child.

"Details about the exact nature of the incident are not yet clear and the Metropolitan Police will remain on the scene as the investigation progresses," they said.

"As a council we have taken speedy measures to ensure those residents who were evacuated are being cared for in a warm, safe environment."