A couple managed to escape when their house in Twickenham caught fire, but the Fire Brigade has issued a warning to others to make sure homes have smoke detectors.

Neighbours helped the couple get out of their semi-detached house in Cresswell Road, which does not have a detector fitted, at about 11pm on Sunday, October 15.

Both were taken to hospital.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If neighbours hadn’t helped this couple leave the property before the Brigade arrived this fire could have had a very different outcome.

“Homes need multiple and linked smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be linked together and tested regularly."

Firefighters were called at 11.02pm and the fire was under control by 12.35am.

Four engines and 21 firefighters and officers attended, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.