The trench, approximately twelve metres long and four metres deep, collapsed and trapped a man up to his waist in sand and clay at the site in Charlton.

Five Fire Rescue Units formed part of the brigade’s response, deploying specially trained Urban Search and Rescue crews to the scene working alongside the London Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team, who coordinated medical care throughout the incident.

Crews methodically excavated sand and clay from the trench to increase access while they shored up and stabilised the trench to prevent any further collapse.

Once the man was released from the trench, he was taken to hospital by paramedics.

The HSE is now investigating the incident at the site near the Blackwall Tunnel which has planning permission for a five storey block of flats.