The top floor of a maisonette was destroyed by a blaze last night.

Firefighters were called to the home in Hazelmere Close, Leatherhead, at about 10.30pm.

They went into the burning maisonette and climbed up scaffolding outside after the fire took hold.

A Reigate firefighter said two residents left the burning building on their own and were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation.

Watch commander Matt Burt, from Banstead fire station, said firefighters used scaffolding which was already on the outside of the building.

Mr Burt said: "Smoke was issuing from one of the windows at the top. The cause is still under investigation."

Alex Pratley, who lives nearby, said: "Neighbours said they heard a loud bang a few minutes before the first fire engine arrived.

"Flames and black smoke were coming from a third floor bedroom with black smoke coming from the bedroom next door. Was extinguished quite quickly after they arrived." 

A South East Coast Ambulance spokesman said paramedics treated two patients, in their 60s and 30s, for smoke inhalation. 

He said: "The ambulance took one or both of them to Epsom General." 

Did you see the fire? Please email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6337