A pregnant woman trapped inside a burning building by thick smoke was rescued by firefighters last night.

Four engines and 21 firefighters from Sutton, Mitcham and Wallington, were called out to the block of flats in Nightingale Court, Lind Road, Sutton.

They also saved a man in the top floor flat after being called out at 11:28pm on Thursday, January 29.

The pair, unable to leave the property as the smoke levels were so thick, were given guidance on how to survive the fire over the telephone until the crews arrived.

Both were treated for smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service.

Watch Manager Nick Davis, who was at the scene, said: "The fire started in an airing cupboard in the hallway and spread to the loft void.

"There was quite a lot of smoke on arrival and the crews worked hard to bring the fire under control quickly."

The fire was brought under control at 12.41pm and the cause is still under investigation.

Watch Manager Davis added: "I committed a breathing apparatus crew that led the occupants to safety.

"The occupants in the flat opposite were able to leave the building by themselves with other residents advised to stay inside."

Your Local Guardian:

The property was boarded up after the fire

Colin Newman, 83, who lives in a house below the couple's flat, was watching television when water from the fire hoses came pouring through his ceiling.

He said: "After it came rushing through and we started seeing smoke, we came to the front of the house and saw about four fire engines outside. 

"We didn't even hear them come.

"A few people had gathered outside and some were looking upset.

"We are just gratfeul the couple are OK and they got out of the house safely."