Homes had to be evacuated as flames tore through a flat last night.

Crews from Norbury, West Norwood and Tooting were called to the blaze in the semi-detached house, which had been converted into seven flats.

Most of the people managed to get out of their own before firefighters arrived at about 6.30pm but three people on the ground floor were led to safety by the crews.

It took about 15 minutes for the crews to get the flames under control in the property in Westwell Road, Streatham.

The fire, which started in the kitchen of the studio flat, is under investigation.