A couple were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in their home in Cresswell Road in Twickenham on Sunday night (October 15).

Four fire engines and about 21 firefighters attended the fire, the cause of which is under investigation, at about 11.02pm.

The couple had a “lucky escape” as the semi-detached house was not fitted with any smoke alarms.

They were able to leave the house before LFB arrived and London Ambulance Service took them to the hospital.

Part of a ground floor conservatory, the first floor and roof were damaged by the fire in the two storey house.

Issuing a reminder about the importance of having working smoke alarms a London Fire Brigade spokesman 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.”

Officers from Twickenham, Surbiton and Hammersmith fire stations attended.

The fire was under control by 12.35am.