A tortoise and a cat were killed in a house fire yesterday afternoon.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the fire on the ground floor of a detached house in Lower Kingswood.

A spokesman for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said: "Unfortunately a cat and a tortoise lost their lives in a fire we were called to a fire in Mogador Road, Lower Kingswood, at 1.24pm.

"We sent two fire engines and one specialist vehicle. The ground floor of the property was damaged by fire while the first floor was affected by smoke. It was accidental."

On Wednesday the fire service said the blaze was believed to have started in the lounge, but today a spokesman said it actually started in utility room. 

February: Hibernating tortoise nicknamed 'Smoky' by firefighters after his shell was scorched by garage fire 

A spokesman at Banstead fire station said firefighters in breathing apparatus used hose reel to fight the house fire.

Do you know more? Please email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6337.