A woman escaped a flat fire in Sidcup High Street after a faulty tumble dryer caught alight.

Firefighters were called at just before 7pm on Sunday (January 21) and spent almost an hour tackling the blaze.

London Fire Brigade said: “The occupant of the flat was asleep when the fire started and it was the smoke alarm which alerted her and meant she was able to quickly leave the property.

“This fire highlights just how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your property. There could have been a very different outcome to this fire if there hadn't been any.

“Homes need multiple smoke alarms. Fires can start in any room so smoke alarms should be fitted in your hallways and landings and in any room where you smoke, use candles, incense sticks or portable heaters and leave electrical equipment on or on charge – such as satellite boxes, heaters, computers or mobile phones.”

Part of a four-roomed first-floor flat was damaged by the fire.

The woman who escaped the fire was not injured.

Crews from Sidcup, Eltham and Orpington attended.