An elderly couple escaped from a fire at their house in Kingston Hill yesterday afternoon after a kitchen blaze spread to the loft space.

Two engines from Kingston, one each from Surbiton and New Malden, plus a cherry-picker from Wimbledon, attended the call which came in at 3.08pm, white watch crew manager Brennan Healey said.

The fire damaged electric wiring in the two-storey house, he added.

The couple stayed with friends on Thursday night after the utilities were switched off.

Residents can take advantage of free fire safety inspections and fire alarm fittings by calling 08000 28 44 28.