A MOTHER and son had a lucky escape from a fire which totally destroyed their home in Hayes during the early hours of this morning (Thursday).

Firefighters from Hayes Station were called to Austin Road just after 1am to a blaze in a flat on the second floor.

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, and her son, believed to be in his 20s, had managed to get out of the inferno shortly before the emergency services arrived.

She was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties but her condition is not thought to be serious.

At one point six pumps and four hoses were used to tackle the flames, which despite being quickly extinguished had already severely damaged the flat.

Many other residents of the block have had to be rehoused and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

A spokesman for the brigade could not rule out suspicious causes.