Flames ripped through a house across the road from a fire station last night.

It is believed that the fire was started at about 7pm by the cooker in the kitchen of the property lived in by a family of five, in Old Town, Croydon.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "The smoke alarm sounded and alerted the family to the blaze.

"Croydon fire station is opposite the property and a man ran across and told the station who quickly sent two fire engines and 10 firefighters to the scene."

A woman and two children were led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. They were all suffering from smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews. The man and another child had left the building before the Brigade arrived.

The blaze destroyed part of the ground floor and there was heavy smoke throughout the property.

The fire was under control by 7.30pm.