A fire caused by an electrical fault left a flat completely damaged by smoke.

Firefighters were called to Norroy Road at 8pm last night.after a member of the public could smell burning.

When they arrived the windows of the property were completely blackened.

Two fire engines were needed to put out the blaze, leaving the scene just before 10.30pm.

The occupants of the flat were out while it happened and nobody needed hospital treatment.

It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault, leaving the building 100 per cent damaged.

A spokesperson for the fire brigade said there was a smoke alarm in the flat but it did not have batteries fitted.

He said: "There was a big build-up of smoke inside there. We gained entry and the whole flat was totally filled with smoke.

"If it had been 5am in the morning with no smoke alarm the chances are they would not have woken up."

Neighbours put the three people living in the flat up for the night, while firefighters fitted smoke alarms in five properties in the area.