A BLAZE which ripped through a terraced house was probably started by a discarded cigarette, the London Fire Brigade has said.

The fire damaged a large section of the first floor and part of the roof of the property in Conyers Close, Woodford Green, last Saturday afternoon (May 19).

A man and woman managed to escape the house and there were no reports of any injuries.

A Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters were called at 3.18pm and the fire was under control by 4.42pm.

"Fire crews from Woodford, Leytonstone and Leyton fire stations were at the scene. The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a cigarette."