Dramatic moment police kick down door to rescue people from burning building

Dramatic footage has been released showing the moment police officers rescued terrified residents from a fire in Kensington.

A total of 11 people were rushed to hospital following the blaze at a five-storey townhouse in South Kensington at 12.30am on Friday.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and police are treating the cause of the fire as suspicious.

The body worn footage shows how officers kicked down the front door to enter the building engulfed in flames.

During the video, officers can be heard shouting: ‘Get out, get out,’ and ‘control, there’s people trapped on the second floor.’

Around 130 people were evacuated from the property itself and the surrounding area.

Six residents and seven police officers suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital but have all been discharged.

The fire in South Kensington is now being treated as arson and a man has been arrested (Picture: London Fire Brigade)

Police were forced to kick down the front door (Picture: Metropolitan Police/SWNS)

Officers shouted at people and told them to leave (Picture: Metropolitan Police/SWNS)

Superintendent Jill Horsfall said: ‘The bravery and professionalism of the Met officers who responded so rapidly to this terrifying fire shows the very best of policing.

‘They acted without hesitation to rapidly enter a burning building full of smoke and to save lives.’

Anyone with information that may assist is advised to call 101.

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