A WOMAN was rescued by fire-fighters when a blaze engulfed two flats above a shop.

The fire started just before 6pm on Saturday evening (January 29) in Chingford Mount Road, Chingford.

Crews took just over an hour to bring it under control.

The woman was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital after being rescued.

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: "Two flats on the first floor of the three storey building were partly damaged by the fire.

"Part of the communal stairway leading from the ground to the second floors was also damaged.

"A woman had to be rescued from the first floor balcony and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

"A further woman left the property before the Brigade arrived uninjured."

Crews from Woodford, Walthamstow and Edmonton stations all attended.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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