London hit by snow as chill continues to bite

Snow showers hit London and the South-East today as icy winds and freezing temperatures continued to bite.

The flurries began at lunchtime and increased in intensity by early afternoon, although forecasters said the snow was unlikely to settle as temperatures are finally predicted to rise over the next 24 hours.

Temperatures in the capital struggled to climb above freezing today but are expected to soar to up to ten degrees by Saturday.

Despite the cold weather, London Fire Brigade has had to deal with its first barbecue fire of the year.

Two fire engines were sent to put out the blaze at the block of flats in Webber Street, Southwark, south east London after a barbecue was left out on a third-floor balcony, where it set fire to decking in the early hours of the morning.

Southwark Watch manager Chris Payton said: “It appears that the resident had been using the barbecue earlier that night and had left it on the timber decked balcony and gone to bed.

“It is really important that people don’t use barbecues indoors or on balconies.”