THE cause of a fire at a flat in Hoe Street is being investigated.

A total of four fire engines and about 20 firefighters were called to the blaze at about 7.15pm on Sunday (September 27).

One person managed to escape before the fire brigade arrived.

The fire damaged about half of a first-floor flat above a shop.

Firefighters from Leyton, Homerton and Leytonstone brought the flames under control by about 8.15pm.