A man has died and two people have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out on the 17th floor of a tower block in east London early this morning.

Emergency services were called just after 4am to the 22-storey residential building on Blackwall Way in Poplar, situated across the River Thames from the O2 Arena.

Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines from stations across East London were deployed to the scene to tackle the incident.

The blaze broke out inside a two-room flat high up in the building, damaging both the apartment and its balcony.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the burning property and rescued two adults and a child from inside.

An LFB spokesman confirmed the fatality shortly after, stating: "Sadly, a man was declared dead at the scene."

Two other individuals were taken to hospital following the incident, while emergency crews worked to secure the surrounding area.

Before the fire crews arrived on Blackwall Way, approximately 50 people had already evacuated the residential block.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that those evacuated residents were moved away from the building and are currently being supported at a rest centre.

Crews brought the fire under control by 6.41am, preventing further spread through the 22-storey block.

What we do not know yet is how the blaze began. The London Fire Brigade has stated that "a range of factors are being investigated regarding the cause of the fire."

I'll be following this one — check back for updates.