SEVEN people were rescued from a fire in a Catford sheltered housing block at the weekend.

Six fire engines and 35 firefighters from Lee Green, Forest Hill, Downham and Lewisham were called out to Welland Court in Oakham Close at 9.37pm on Saturday (Feb 9).

They used a ladder to rescue a woman from a second floor window while another six people were brought outside by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

Three people were treated by ambulance crews for smoke inhalation.

Another 17 people escaped from the building before firefighters arrived on the scene.

The London Fire Brigade said the fire was under control by 12.06am and the blaze's cause was under investigation.

A Lewisham Homes spokesman said: “Staff were on site throughout the night and provided assistance to residents, most of whom were able to return to their homes a few hours later.

"Two residents are staying in temporary accommodation until they are able to return to their homes.”