A SLEEPING family were saved by their smoke alarm when a fire broke out in the early hours of this morning.

Twenty-five people, including an elderly couple, were evacuated from the loft flat and neighbouring properties in the maisonette above shops in Kenton Road, near the junction of Mayfield Avenue, at 3am.

Thirty firefighters tackled the blaze, which destroyed the roof and caused extensive damage throughout.

Harrow White Watch crew manager, Dave Donaghey, said: “The alarm was raised by the fire alarm system in the flat. Some of the people in the flat must have got out before we got there, but some people were still asleep, so we had to get them out.

“The fire was at the back of the building so wouldn’t have been noticed by passers by.

“Had they not had an alarm installed, it would have been far more serious by the time we got there.

"The alarm saved them, definitely.”

London Ambulance Service were called, but there were no injuries.

Six crews from Harrow, Stanmore, Wembley, Southall and Finchley spent more than two hours tackling the blaze. Some firefighters remained at the property this morning to ensure the scene was safe.

Mr Donaghey said: “It was a difficult incident because access was difficult.”

The inhabitants of the flat have been made homeless as it is not longer inhabitable.

The families at the two properties either side of the flat, including an elderly couple, were able to return to their homes this morning. The property below may also have water damage, Mr Donaghey said.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but is not believed to be suspicious.

Kenton Road was closed both ways between Upton Gardens and Nash Way by the police, with buses being diverted to early this morning

* Did you see the blaze? Call 01895 451000 or email newsharrow@trinitysouth.co.uk