Neighbours of a young girl killed in a suspected gas explosion say they want answers over what happened.

Three other people were taken to hospital on Monday after the blast in Thornton Heath, south London.

Residents say they had reported a strong gas smell two weeks ago while others said engineers had been working on the street and digging holes in recent days.

About 100 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Police confirmed the body of a girl, believed to be aged four, was recovered from a building in Galpin's Road, while the three other people were taken to hospital. A fourth person was treated at the scene.

Merton Council said the blast was caused by gas, describing it as a "major incident" while London Fire Brigade (LFB) is investigating the cause.

Gas supplier Southern Gas Networks said its "deepest sympathies are with the family of the child who has tragically died as well as those who have been injured".

A spokeswoman added: "We'd like to reassure everyone that our engineers are working closely with the emergency services to establish the cause of the explosion."

Girl killed as suspected gas blast destroys house

Residents were briefed on the situation by Merton Council officers, the Metropolitan Police and LFB at the nearby New Horizon's Centre on Monday evening.

Some grew agitated and raised their voices as they were told they would not be able to return to their homes and that workers had been unable to turn off the gas.

The Reverend Deji Ayorinde, of the nearby Pollards Hill Baptist Church, said there was "anger in the room".

"There is anger in the community surrounding unanswered questions," he added.