Neighbours have described how they heard people shouting for help when a fatal fire broke out in a Dagenham maisonette this morning.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Fire at Bradwell Ave Dagenham.Fire at Bradwell Ave Dagenham. (Image: Archant)

Two women died in the blaze, which started in a second floor maisonette in Bradwell Avenue shortly before 7.30am.

Three men, a woman and two children managed to escape from the property, while firefighters rescued a child and three adults from a neighbouring flat.

Kaz Mills, who lives next door, said: “We heard a bang, and my daughter looked out of the window. It’s scary how quickly it went up.

“We heard glass cracking from the heat. There was smoke everywhere. We just wanted them to get the kids out.”

The mum-of-two, 43, added: “The neighbours have a baby. Her husband was standing on the balcony shouting that he had a young baby.

“There were people coming out covered in black smoke. It was like chaos really.

“The police and firemen were so quick, you’ve got to take your hat off to them.”

Courtney Guidotti, 19, who lives in the neighbouring block, said: “It was scary because I knew the kids weren’t out.

“It was hard not being able to do anything.”

Michaela Gunn, 51, added: “We were frightened for the people in there in case there was an explosion or something.”

Four fire engines attended the blaze, which was under control by 9.48am.

Its cause is under investigation.