FIREFIGHTERS broke down the door of a burning Kenton home and rescued a semi-conscious man this morning.

The victim, named locally as David and described as in his 50s and living alone, was helped down from the top floor after the blaze broke out at 6.50am at the semi-detached property in Alicia Gardens.

At its height, 20 firefighters in four engines - including crews from Stanmore and Harrow - were quelling the flames and the situation was under control by 8.20pm.

The whole of the first floor - including the front bedroom - was destroyed, along with part of the roof. The cause is being investigated.

Neighbour Asmita Gorasia, 25, said: "My dad saw it in the morning when he was going to work. It was already blazing.

"As soon as we saw the fire, my dad telephoned the fire brigade, I called the ambulance and my sister-in-law got hold of the police. 

"We knocked on the door but there was no answer and we knew if [David's] car's outside his home, he's at home. We didn't have the tools to get in.

"The fire brigade had to take him out.They broke down the door. He was semi-conscious because of the smoke inhalation. He was moving but had a lot of burns.

"The firefighters did an excellent job and they got here really quickly as well."

The victim was taken to hospital by paramedics, where it is understood he is stable.

Ms Gorasia continued: "We're heard from the police that he's talking and he's spoken to his next of kin."