A child has been taken to hospital after a three-hour flat fire in Chadwell Heath.

Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters tackled the blaze in High Road just after 4am today (December 1).

The whole of the roof and most of two flats on the first floor were alight.

Three people left the building before the brigade arrived and were treated by London Ambulance Service crews.

A child was also taken to hospital.

Fire crews from Ilford, Dagenham, Romford, Hainault and surrounding fire stations attended.

The fire was under control just before 7.30am.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters tackled a fire at a flat above a shop on High Road in Chadwell Heath.

“The whole of the roof and most of two flats on the first floor were alight.

“Three people left the building before the Brigade arrived and were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

“A child was taken to hospital.

“The Brigade's Control Officers took the first call at 0406 and mobilised crews from Ilford, Dagenham, Romford, Hainault and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

“The fire was under control by 0729.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”