A woman and child were given vital survival guidance by a 999 operator during a blaze at an Erith flat-block.

They called fire services when a fire broken out in their communal hallway in Fern Close, shortly after 12pm on Tuesday.

A trained call operator helped calm them, advising them to close the front door and place a blanket underneath, to block out smoke.

She also advised them to hang an item out the window so crews could identify their flat, and stayed on the phone until firefighters arrived, leading them to safety using protective escape hoods.

They were treated at the scene by ambulance services.

The fire, which damaged the second floor hallway, was brought under control by 12.50pm.

Fire crews from Erith, Bexley and Plumstead fire stations attended the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police.