An Orpington resident described as being "profoundly deaf" managed to escape a house fire thanks to a specially designed smoke alarm.

Firefighters were called to a semi-detached home on Winchester Road in Orpington on September 14, which also happened to be exactly one year since they previously visited the property to install the smoke alarm.

The alarm had been fitted with a vibrating sensor and installed under the resident's mattress - who was asleep but, was then woken up by the vibrations.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This incident shows just how important it is for everyone to have smoke alarms fitted throughout their home.

“Vulnerable people are especially at risk of fire as they are less able to react and have a reduced ability to escape.

“Fortunately the early actuation of the alarm meant the resident was able to escape with minor smoke inhalation. If the alarm hadn’t been fitted it could have been a very different outcome.

“If you or anyone you know is hard of hearing, please get in touch with us and we can carry out a home fire safety visit free of charge and fit alarms where needed.”

The resident was able to leave the property in time and managed to call the police to alert them of the incident.

They were also taken to hospital to be treated for minor smoke inhalation and discharged later that day.