A cigarette is thought to have been the cause for a serious flat blaze in Burnt Oak this morning.

Two men and a woman left the burning building before fire crews arrived, and another woman from a nearby flat also managed to escape.

Fire crews were called to the incident in Roscoff Close at about 2.40am.

Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Mill Hill, Hendon, Stanmore and Harrow fire stations fought to get the blaze under control within the hour.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "The fire started in the bedroom and is believed to have been caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.

"The fire severely damaged the first floor and part of the loft space was also damaged by fire."