Child saved from blazing flats

A toddler was at the centre of a dramatic rescue when a block of flats was engulfed in flames.

Fire crews lifted the girl and other residents to safety from the burning block in Ilford yesterday afternoon.

Residents in Piper Way had become trapped on balconies around the four-storey building as the roof began collapsing due to the fire.

Huge water jets were used to keep the flames at bay while other fire-fighters helped carry the residents to safety down long ladders. One man was hurt in the blaze. An investigation into the cause of the fire has now been launched.

The girl's mother and a grandmother were also among the residents rescued from the blaze, which tore through the roof of a newly built block. It left around 50 people without a home.

Neighbours described hearing people screaming for help as they hung over their balconies.

A crowd gathered to watch as 40 firefighters, police and ambulance crews dealt with the emergency - cheering and clapping as residents were led to safety.