Two people have been killed after a helicopter hit a crane, plunged to the ground on a busy road in Vauxhall and exploded into flames.
One of the those killed is the pilot, named as Pete Barnes, who was the only person on board. The other is someone who was on the ground.
Mr Barnes piloted aircraft in scenes in movies including Die Another Day, and worked for flight operator RotorMotion.
The aircraft spun out of control after clipping the crane on top of one of Europe's tallest residential towers in Vauxhall during the rush hour. Fuel and debris was showered onto a busy road.
The aircraft hit cars below, breaking into pieces, and causing a fierce fire.
In total 12 people have been injured. Five people who were at the scene when the crash happened are being treated in hospital - one person's got a broken leg. Seven people were treated at the scene.
The helicopter struck the top of a new residential development called The Tower in the St George Wharf development, tearing a crane from its structure and leaving part of it dangling in a precarious position.
The aircraft is believed to have taken off from Redhill airfield in Surrey and we're told the pilot had requested to divert and land at London Heliport at Battersea due to bad weather.
Commander Neil Basu, from the Metropolitan Police, announced people were killed in a helicopter crash in central London.
He said:
"Police were called by a member of the public at 8 o'clock this morning about an incident here in Wandsworth Road South West 8.
"At this stage what we believe has happened is that a commercial helicopter on a scheduled flight has collided with a crane on top of a building under construction in Nine Elms Road, South West 8. "London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and units from the Metropolitan Police Service were all quickly in attendance within minutes, and all fires are now extinguished.
"I can confirm that there have been two fatalities, and at this stage we're aware of a further nine wounded.
"We're working very closely with our partners from the LFB and from the London Ambulance Service and the air investigation branch from the Civil Aviation Authority are on route to the scene."
Eyewitness Sarah McAllister told Premier what she could see.
Attending the scene were eight fire engines and four fire rescue units and more than 60 firefighters officers.
London Fire Brigade say it "was absolute chaos" but the fire was put out within 20 minutes. Firefighters also rescued a man from a burning car.
Commander Peter Cowup from London Fire Brigade says the remaining section of the crane has to be made safe. He said: "The crane is obviously in a precarious position having had a helicopter hit it. "We've got crews up there at the moment assessing the damage so that we can be confident about making it safe before we leave. "The actual final restoration of the scene will probably fall to the contractor."
Premier's Des Busteed reports from the scene:
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the "brave and professional" response of the emergency services and says he is "very saddened to learn of the fatalities and injuries".
St Anne All Saints church is just a few hundred yards away from the crash.
Revd Fraser Dyer is the Priest-in-Charge. He told Premier's Victoria Laurence on the News Hour the church opened its doors to give support to those who witnessed the incident and the emergency services.
Christian Tory MP Nicky Morgan witnessed the crash. She said: "I was walking to Vauxhall tube station just before eight o'clock and suddenly there was an almighty bang, it sounded like an explosion. "People stopped and turned around and there was just clouds and clouds of thick black smoke so immediately people who were watching could see something was clearly not right."
Lorry driver Ray Watts went onto the construction site where the crane was, just seconds before the crash.
He said:
"I was scared witless at first. "When that crane started coming down and there was a lot of stuff coming down with it - I just ran and there were a few people shouting 'run' and 'get out'."
Twitter was full of prayers as soon as the story broke at around about 08.30am.
London City Mission said:
"Awful helicopter crash in Vauxhall today. Horrible that lives can be lost in a moment. Please pray."
The Methodist Church added:
"Please #pray for all those who may be affected by this morning's helicopter crash in Vauxhall."
Revd Giles Fraser said prayers at a special mass at St Mary's, Newington. He tweeted: "Helicopter crashed half a mile from my parish. Prayers will be said at 10.00 Mass for those who have died."
The Salvation Army is at the scene providing refreshments and pastoral support for the emergency service.
London's Counter Terrorism Command said there's nothing to suggest any terrorism link.
The Church of England has re-issued a prayer for disaster and tragedy:
O Lord our God, Source of all goodness and love, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion upon all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. Lord of all compassion We pray for all of those caught up in the midst of tragedy or disaster. For those who have lost life and those working to save life For those who are worried for people they love For those who will see their loved ones no longer Lord Have Mercy. For those in need of the peace that passes all understanding For all who turn to you in the midst of turmoil For those who cry out to you in fear and in love Lord Have Mercy. For those in confusion and those in despair For those whose tears are yet to dry For those in need of your unending love Amen.