A dozen elderly people had to be evacuated from their sheltered accommodation after a fire ripped through the building in Archway this morning (Friday).

About 12 Hornsey Lane residents had already escaped when two fire engines and around 10 firefighters arrive to tackle the blaze at around 8:30 this morning.

The flames in the three floor building were under control by about 8:55 but 20 per cent of a self contained three room flat were damaged.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.