A pregnant woman was among three residents who had a lucky escape during a flat fire this morning. 

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze at a flat in Pembar Avenue, Walthamstow, at around 4am. 

Firefighters led a woman to safety from the back garden and rescued a man and pregnant woman by ladder from the first floor flat. 

The home, converted into two flats and not fitted with alarms, was completely filled with smoke.

London Fire Brigade watch manager, Charlotte Fitzgerald, said: "There were no smoke alarms in the property so the residents had a lucky escape. 

"Working smoke alarms are essential because they provide vital early warnings and allow extra time to escape if there is a fire in your home.”

The two women and man were treated by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation. 

London Ambulance Service has been asked for futher information. 

Firefighters from Walthamstow and Leytonstone fire stations were called at 4.04am and the blaze was under control within 40 minutes.