A man in his 70's was rescued by fire crews following a blaze in a basement flat with no smoke alarms last night.

Firefighters were called just before 10.40pm to the fire in Geraldine Road, Wandsworth.

The man was suffering from severe smoke inhalation and needed treatment using breathing apparatus.

He was taken to St George's Hospital for further treatment.

The fire was put out by 11.15pm, leaving the lounge of the three room flat damaged.

Tom Clark, crew manager of the Wandsworth fire station said: "Unfortunately the flat didn't have any smoke alarms.

"It's essential to have a smoke alarm on each level of your home as they provide a vital early warning if a fire breaks out and allow you to escape more quickly.

"Smoke alarms save lives so I'd urge everyone to go out and get one today."

For information on smoke alarms visit london-fire.gov.uk/smokealarms