Police are investigating a blaze in a tower block after firefighters had to give survival guidance to 999 callers in a flat.

The fire broke out in a hallway on the fifth floor of an 11-storey block of flats in Ayley Croft, Enfield, early this morning.

People in the flat dialled the London Fire Brigade (LFB) at 12.56am after smelling smoke - and 999 control officers gave "vital" fire survival guidance.

One man from a neighbouring flat was led to safety by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus. He was assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service and treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire was under control by 1.48, and part of the hallway was damaged. The cause is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service.

The fire brigade said the flat next to the blaze had no working smoke alarms and it was lucky that those inside smelled smoke.

Station Officer Adam Placey was at the scene. He said: "This incident took place in the middle of the night and luckily the residents smelt the smell of smoke and were able to call 999. Not having working smoke alarms leaves you and your loved ones at risk.

“Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won't be properly covered. As a minimum, you should have smoke alarms on every floor of your home - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the bathroom and kitchen.

“This incident also is a good opportunity to remind residents to not store belongings in communal areas as they can pose a real risk to safety. In the event of fire, items in hallways and on stairs can stop people escaping, and stop firefighters doing their job. Always ensure that corridors, stairs and stairwells are clear.”

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Enfield, Edmonton and Chingford fire stations attended the blaze.