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Southall explosion: Two killed in blast at shop in west London

Two people have been killed in an explosion and building collapse at a shop in west London, the fire brigade has confirmed.

The blast - believed to have been caused by gas - happened in a shop underneath flats in Southall.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said crews were involved in a "complex operation" at the scene on King Street.

A child and four adults were rescued and sniffer dogs were involved in searching the rubble.

Station Commander Paul Morgan said: "Our crews have search the property using specialist equipment including the use of a USAR dogs.

"We can confirm that sadly two people have died at the scene.

"It has been a painstaking and protracted incident with firefighters working systematically to stabilise the building and search for people involved.

"Operations have been concluded for the evening and will restart in the morning."

LFB said they were called just before 6.40am, adding that six fire engines and about 40 firefighters had been in attendance.

A spokesman said the windows of the shop were "completely blown out" in the incident.

Pictures taken behind the property show debris jutting out of the building.

The Metropolitan Police said the incident was not being treated as suspicious and is believed to be a gas explosion.

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman earlier said they had treated and discharged one person.