Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a flat fire on Edgware Road in Colindale, Barnet, last night.

Part of a five-roomed flat on the third floor of the building was damaged by fire.

There were no reports of any injuries but a woman and a child were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

Station Officer Peter Shaw, who was at the scene, said: “As we arrived, the kitchen and the balcony of a flat on the third floor was fully alight and producing a large amount of heavy smoke.

“Everyone was out of the building on arrival and crews got to work incredibly quickly to bring the fire under control.

“The fire was beginning to spread into the loft space, but firefighters quickly contained the fire, saving the roof of the building."

He continued: “There were no working smoke alarms fitted inside the property and the occupants were alerted to the fire after smelling burning.

"Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start and a heat alarm in the kitchen.”

The Brigade was called at 8.49pm and the fire was under control by 9.55pm.

Fire crews from Stanmore, Harrow, Park Royal, Northolt, Barnet and Hornsey fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.