Scrap metal thieves almost blew up a row of houses near Stockwell tube station.

Under the cover of darkness burglars forced their way into an empty flat on South Lambeth Road and ripped out all the piping in the early hours of Friday.

Seven could have been killed

The pressure from the mains caused gas to flood the building, neighbours fled after they woke up to the smell and raised the alarm.

According to the South London Press - seven people, including a newborn baby were in the properties at the time.

Experts from Southern Gas Electric cut the gas off the mains. Cops are investigating.