The scene in Lyncroft Gardens

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DOZENS of people were evacuated from a flats in West Hampstead early on Friday.

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at an end-of-terrace house that has been converted into flats on Lyncroft Gardens.

Residents fleeing the blaze took respite in a rest centre set up in West Hampstead fire station in West End Lane. Half of the roof of the building and part of a third-floor flat were damaged by fire.

Firefighters moved around 25 people to safety. There were no reports of any injuries.

Station Commander Ken Spratt, who was at the scene, said: “One of the Brigade’s 64-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to tackle the fire from height.

He added: “Drones were also used to survey the incident from above, providing incident commanders with an aerial view to support with developing tactics.”

The first call was made to the Brigade’s control officers at 3.09am and the fire was under control by 5.23am. Investigators said it is believed to have been accidental and caused by “hot works”.