Hero passerby ‘kicks down door to rescue people from burning house’ in south London

A man has been rushed to hospital and two others treated by ambulance crews after a fire ripped through a terraced home near the Crystal Palace Football Club.

A “hero” passerby on his way to work reportedly kicked down a door to rescue people from inside the burning home on Whitehorse Lane, a witness told MyLondon.

London Fire Brigade could not confirm the reports.

Three people left the house in South Norwood before firefighters arrived on Thursday morning.

They were assessed by London Ambulance Service crews at the scene and one man was taken to hospital.

Half of the ground floor and most of the first floor of the terraced house was damaged, the fire brigade said.

Residents reported smelling smoke as they awoke and saw a rescue helicopter land nearby.

Around 25 firefighters and four fire engines were called to the blaze just before 8am and the fire was under control just after 9am.

London Fire Brigade received 13 calls to the blaze. Whitehorse Lane was cordoned off but has since been reopened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.