Helicopter crashes in central London

A helicopter crashed near Wandsworth in central London today after colliding with a crane on top of St George's Tower, a residential building currently under construction.

Dense black smoke was billowing from the area, close to the River Thames, after the helicopter spiralled to the ground in what eyewitnesses told Sky News looked like "a massive ball of flame".

There was however no confirmation about casualties.

The Met Police have said that the helicopter is not one of their fleet. "It is too early at this stage to confirm any casualties".

Two cars are also said to be involved in the incident.

According to Sky News, one person was on board the helicopter at the time of the crash, but an "unknown" number of people are involved in the collision.

Commuters on the busy route into central London have reported hearing loud bangs around 8 am from as far away as Oxford Circus at the time the crash occurred.

London Fire Brigade said it had received numerous calls about the incident and firefighters were en route to the scene.

A spokesperson said 22 different fire and rescue resources are involved as part of a "large response".