Firefighters tackled a blaze at a house undergoing renovation this morning.

A man who lived at the property in Century Road, Walthamstow, was outside and unharmed when the crew arrived at 3.42am.

The blaze started when building waste left in the front garden caught fire and spread to the guttering.

The flames did not reach the interior of the house, and were under control by 3.54am.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

However, Watch Manager Jim Barker, who was at the scene, has advised people renovating their homes not to leave rubbish piled up outside.

He said: “It does give opportunities to would-be arsonists, or can be dangerous if people drop cigarettes.

“It does also hinder your means of escape.”