A 63-year-old woman was among those that escaped a suspected arson attack in Clapham on Sunday.
Lambeth Police are appealing for witnesses to the ground floor flat blaze in Heath Road, which is being treated as suspicious.
Firefighters were called to the scene at 3.20am after neighbours were awoken by their smoke alarm.
The occupant of the flat was not present at the time, but four neighbours rushed out of their flats to avoid the smoke.
About 15 per cent of the flat was destroyed.
Anyone with information should call Detective Constable Richard Milton from Lambeth CID on 020 8649 2855 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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