More than 20 firefighters put out a blaze which destroyed a loft in Sutton this morning.

Four engines were called by neighbours to Kirk Rise shortly after 10am.

Part of the residential, two-storey property's loft was alight.

The fire was brought under control by 11.11am and damage was limited to the room of origin.

No one was injured - the property was unoccupied at the time.

Crews from Sutton, Mitcham and Wallington Fire Stations attended the scene.

Neighbour Peter Scouse said: "Only two months after fire gutted a bungalow, a second major fire has caused serious damage to flats in Kirk Rise, Benhilton Gardens.

"At around 10:15am on Monday, neighbours spotted smoke billowing out between the roof tiles and then through the skylight windows in the roof before flames up to 15 feet tall shot into the air.

"Emergency calls were made to 999 and within minutes the fire brigade were on site with three appliances.

"Vital seconds were lost when a Fire Hydrant in the pavement opposite the fire failed to work and hoses had to be dragged from another hydrant in Angel Hill.

"The Fire Hydrant had only recently had a new water meter installed next to it by Sutton & East Surrey Water.

"The quick response of the fire brigade brought the fire under control in around 15 minutes."