A blaze which fire-fighters had to rescue four women from is being treated as a suspected arson attack, police have confirmed.

Crews led the women to safety after the fire broke out in a hallway outside some flats above a shop in Ilford High Road at 2.50am this morning.

They were treated for shock and smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service at the scene.

A total of fourteen fire-fighters and officers battled the blaze and brought it under control by 3.40am.

A spokesman for Redbridge Police said: "Officers from Ilford CID are investigating. The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated, but it is being treated as arson at this stage.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or with information should call Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."