Police officers broke into a burning Hainault home to drag out a man who refused to leave.

Officers were called to the house in Arrowsmith Road, Hainault at just after 3.20am on Monday.

The 54-year-old man inside the building refused to leave, so officers broke into the home to forcibly remove him.

The occupant was checked by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service but did not need to be taken to hospital.

An eyewitness who lives in the road said: “One copper got into the house through an open window with an extinguisher in his hand. But maybe because of the smoke he couldn’t get out.

“His colleagues smashed through the front door to get them both out.

“There was lots of smoke coming out of the house.

“I just think some recognition is deserved for them.”

Fire crews were soon on the scene to put out the blaze.

Did you witness what happened? Call 020 8477 3806, or email zjan.shirinian@archant.co.uk.