A father and son escaped a flat fire above a parade of shops. 

Four fire engines were sent to Station Road, Chingford, yesterday at 8.15pm. 

A total of 21 firefighters tackled the blaze, which completely destroyed half of the second floor flat above the Village Arcade. 

Station Manager Paul Hobbs who was at the scene, said: "Crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control. 

"Two people left before the arrival of the Brigade and thankfully there were no injuries.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is believed to be accidental."

A fire service spokesman said the two people involved were father and son.

Bethany Milnes, 21, of Dale View Crescent, Chingford, was at a yoga class at the North Chingford Methodist Church, next to the parade. 

She said: "A fireman came in and said the roof next door was on fire.

“We were all a bit surprised as we were allowed to continue with our class.

“They just wanted the keys to access the church garden.”

The fire was under control by 9.15pm. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Picture of the fire scene taken by Bethany Milnes last night.