TWO dogs, two budgies and a cat were rescued from a house after it caught fire.

Fire-fighters rushed to three-storey terraced home, which was badly damaged in the blaze, when they were called to the scene in Newman Road, Walthamstow, at 12.25am yesterday (Tuesday July 31).

The cat and one of the dogs ran out when fire-fighters smashed down its front door, but the rest of the animals had to be carried out by crews wearing breathing apparatus.

Both of the dogs were given oxygen by fire-fighters before the arrival of the RSPCA to look after the pets.

The fire was brought under control at around 1.45am and its cause is under investigation.

No humans were inside at the time and there are no reports of any injuries.

A fireman who attended the scene said: “The younger of the two dogs was able to escape when we opened the front door, but the older dog was unable to move when we arrived.

"We carried him out of the house and gave them both oxygen, which definitely perked them up a bit.

"The dogs were suffering from smoke inhalation and shock, but we were able to keep them calm and safe until the arrival of the RSPCA.”

Four fire engines from Walthamstow and Leyton attended the scene.

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