An investigation has begun into how a blaze started in a large derelict house in one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze in White Lodge Close, East Finchley, on Friday (April 28).

A small part of the ground floor of the two-storey house was damaged, the London Fire Brigade said.

The derelict detached house is in a cul-de-sac off The Bishops Avenue, known as Billionaire's Row and boasting some of the capital's most expensive homes.

It was once reckoned to be one of the prettiest streets but this is not the first such fire in the area. A mansion believed to be disused in The Bishops Avenue was gutted by fire in the early hours of June 6 last year.

The brigade was called at 6.21pm and the fire was under control at 7.14pm.

Fire crews from Finchley, Paddington and West Hampstead fire stations attended the scene.

A fire brigade spokesperson said the cause is being investigated.