RESIDENTS had to be treated for smoke inhalation following a flat fire in Sydenham.

The incident happened in Wirral House, Wells Park Road, at around 3.30am in a home on the first floor.

All four people who were in the six room property at the time of the fire managed to get themselves out but three of them were taken to hospital.

They were said to be suffering from smoke inhalation and shock.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said there was no smoke alarm in the property at the time of the fire.

He stressed that people should have an alarm fitted.

Anyone who wants the LFB to do a free home fire safety check in their home can go to london-fire.gov.uk for more information.