A couple returned home to find smoke billowing from the roof of their home.

The owner arrived to find six fire engines outside her semi-detached house, on Alma Road in Sutton, after a fire broke out in the loft conversion at about 10.45am.

A Sutton firebrigade spokesman said significant smoke damage was caused and the roof was badly damaged.

He said: “We don’t know how the fire began yet, we are still analysing that.

“The owner was very alarmed, it was in a terrible state; half the roof was missing. There was also damage next door.

“It will be a few days clear up at least.

“The owner arrived home when we were there and gave us the keys to get in - at least we didn’t have to break down the front door.”