FIREFIGHTERS evacuated 50 people after a blaze in bedsit flats above shops on Stanstead Road, Catford, yesterday evening (September 18).

The flat where the fire started has been severely damaged along with part of the communal area.

Watch Manager Richard Arnold, who was at the scene, said: "When we arrived, the fire was fully developed and flames were coming out of the windows. We evacuated around 50 people from flats above the shops and luckily no one was injured."

Four fire engines from Lee Green, Forest Hill, Lewisham and Downham fire stations went to the scene with 21 firefighters and officers.

The brigade was called at 8.49pm and the fire was brought under control by 9.39pm. The cause of the fire is being investigated.