A fire that endangered a woman’s life in a Wanstead tower block is being treated as arson.

Police are investigating the blaze, which swept through the flat in Gardner Close at around 5pm on Saturday.

A woman, believed to be in her 20s, was rescued by firefighters from the window of the second-floor flat.

Crews had to break into the home wearing breathing apparatus.

The woman escaped with minor injuries but the property was badly damaged.

She was treated for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

Fire brigade watch manager Gennaro Tumini said: “When we arrived, there was thick smoke billowing from the window.

“Thankfully the flat was fitted with a smoke alarm which meant the woman was able to call us in good time and we were able to help her to safety.”

More than 20 firefighters from Ilford, Leyton and Leytonstone stations took almost an hour to bring the fire under control.

Paramedics and firefighters called police officers to the scene.

A Redbridge Police spokesman said: “An arson investigation has been launched. Enquiries continue.”