Residents, including a four year-old-boy, were evacuated from Goodmayes flats when burning toast started a small fire last night.

Two women and the boy were moved out of their homes in Kildowan Road at around 11pm to avoid smoke inhalation.

Crew manager Dave Weighill, of Ilford fire station, said the evacuation was “just a precaution”.

He added: “The lady, who was 38, had fallen asleep under the influence of prescription sleeping tablets and left toast under the grill.

“The boy from the flat above hadn’t taken in any smoke, he was fine.”

A London Ambulance spokesman said an ambulance crews and paramedics were sent along with a hazard response team but no one needed hospital treatment.