A pregnant mother and her baby had to flee their home after a fire broke out in Hampstead late last night.

Ham & High: Nearly 60 firefighters were sent to the blaze in Pattison Road. Picture: Rod Olukoya (rodwey2004)Nearly 60 firefighters were sent to the blaze in Pattison Road. Picture: Rod Olukoya (rodwey2004) (Image: rodwey2004)

The pair escaped the house in Pattison Road before nearly 60 firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze.

Next-door neighbour Louise Kronenberg said: “We were sat watching TV when we smelt this really pungent smoke.

“We ran outside because she’s got a baby and we wondered if she was in the house.

“It’s been horrendous, I don’t think anybody in this area of the road slept all night.”

The flames erupted at about 10.15pm and were not under control until shortly after 1am.

The woman and child were not injured and did not need medical treatment.

Another next-door neighbour, retired music teacher Angela Faith, said: “I came out the front and it was already filled with smoke.

“There were huge flames, you could see them from the street. It was terrible.”

Firefighters said the blaze started in a converted loft.

It is believed the family had only recently moved in and were refurbishing the house.

The fire is under investigation and the cause is not yet known.

James Morford, spokesman for the London Fire Brigade, said: “A smoke alarm ensured the people in this property were able to get out quickly. I would urge everyone to ensure they have a smoke alarm and to test it regularly.”