Three cats died while dozens were rescued during a fire in a Herne Hill flat.

A total of 31 cats are believed to have been inside the flat in Meath House, Dulwich Road when the blaze broke out on January 15.

Two cats died during the fire and another was put down by the RSPCA because of the seriousness of its injuries.

The surviving cats have been moved to a RSPCA shelter.

The flat’s owner was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.

A fire brigade spokesman said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.