A family of four adults, a child and a baby had “a lucky escape” from their home in New Cross Gate after a remote control car burst into flames in one of the bedrooms.

The battery from a radio controlled car failed while it was charging and caught fire at the house in Wild Goose Drive at around 8.40pm yesterday (January 31).

The occupants were alerted to the fire by the smell of burning and tried to tackle the blaze themselves before calling the emergency services, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

“The occupants had an extremely lucky escape,” an LFB spokesperson said.

“They were alerted to the fire by the smell of burning and it was very fortunate they noticed it because the smoke alarms in their property had been removed from the base.

“Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their home and the safest option is have those linked together.

“This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in their home.”

The blaze has prompted a reminder from firefighters advising the public not to try to put out fires themselves. 

The spokesperson added: "Stay well away from the fire and always get out, stay out and call 999 right away.”

Most of the second floor bedroom was damaged by fire.

Two fire engines from New Cross and Deptford stations attended.

Firefighters brought the flames under control by 9.06pm.

No-one was injured.