London, July 4 (DPA) Six people, including three children, have died in a fire in a block of flats in London, the fire brigade said late Friday.

Three children, one just three weeks old, were among the victims of the blaze in the 12-storey block on a housing estate in Camberwell, in south London.

The victims were among at least 18 people taken to hospitals in the area. At least 30 people were rescued from the building.

According to London Fire Brigade (LFB), the blaze was brought under control by about 100 firefighters.

An LFB spokesman said that the “serious” fire was believed to have started in a stairwell and spread to the communal areas between floors four and 11.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a “huge bang” before “flames were everywhere”.