FIREFIGHTERS rescued 17 people from a burning block of flats in Walthamstow.

A man and a woman were treated for smoke inhalation after being led to safety from the second floor by fire-fighters using breathing apparatus.

The blaze destroyed a three roomed flat on the second floor and part of the building's roof.

Around 30 fire-fighters tackled the fire which happened at flats in Netley Road on Tuesday (March 24).

Fire crews were called to the scene at 6.30pm and the fire was under control by 8.45pm.

Firefighters from Leyton, Bethnal Green and Tottenham fire stations attended the blaze.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.