A family who were trapped inside their West Norwood flat after someone started a fire outside the front door have escaped unharmed.

Four women and two children were caught in the flat on Benton's Lane when the blaze sparked on their porch at about 8.50pm last night.

But after taking advice from the fire brigade’s emergency control room staff, they locked themselves in an upstairs bedroom until fire crews and police arrived.

The blaze, which police believe was started deliberately, was under control within fifteen minutes.

West Norwood crew manager Steve Hazell said advice given by the emergency services had been “vital”, adding the flat and three neighbouring properties did not have fitted smoke alarms.

“I would urge everyone to make sure that they have a working smoke alarm and to test it regularly,” he said.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Detective Constable Garry Johnson of Lambeth CID by dialing 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.