A woman has been arrested on suspicion of neglect after four children have died following a house fire in Sutton.

Fire crews were called to the scene in Collingwood Road at 6.55pm last night (Thursday).

The first fire crews on scene were faced with an intense blaze throughout the whole of the ground floor.

Four children were recovered from the address.

The children were given immediate CPR on scene by firefighters before being taken to two south London hospitals.

Two three-year-old boys and two four-year-old boys - all related - were pronounced dead.

A 27-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and remains in police custody.

The children’s next of kin are aware and will be provided with specialist support.

Police say the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Road closures are in place and emergency services remain at the scene.

Superintendent Rob Shepherd said: "The thoughts of everyone at the South Area Command Unit are with the family and friends of these four young children, who have suffered such a devastating and tragic loss tonight.

“I know these sentiments will be shared by the local community, Sutton and London as a whole.

"We remain on scene with our emergency service colleagues and will be working through the night and beyond.

“At this very early stage the cause of the fire is unknown and will be investigated."

A Met Police spokesperson said: “Four young children have died following reports of a house fire in Sutton this evening.

"Police were called by the London Fire Brigade shortly after 19:00hrs on Thursday, 16 December to reports of a fire at a residential address on Collingwood Road in Sutton.

"Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service.

"The fire was extinguished and four children - two 3-year-old boys and two 4-year-old boys - were recovered from the address. The boys are all related.

"They were treated at the scene before being taken to two south London hospitals. Very sadly, all four were pronounced dead.

"Next of kin are aware and will be provided with specialist support.

"Road closures are in place and emergency services remain at the scene.

"A 27-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and remains in police custody."