A takeaway pizza shop with flats above in Clapham has been damaged by a fire that occurred early this morning.

Firefighters were called to a fire on North Street at 3.26am today (April 11).

Parts of the ground and first floors of the pizza shop and part of the external extraction system were damaged by the blaze.

A man and woman were treated on scene by emergency services after suffering from smoke inhalation.

The fire is believed to be accidental and caused by hot coals touching built-up grease in the extraction system above the pizza oven.

The fire was under control by 5.55am.

Four fire engines and 25 firefighters from Clapham, Battersea, Brixton, and Lambeth fire stations attended the scene.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson issued a reminder to restaurant and takeaway owners to “ensure they don’t have dirty ducting.”

The spokesperson added: “If you don't clean the ducting in your extraction system regularly, you're at a greater risk of ducting fires.

"You should also make sure you keep the hob, cooker hood and extractor fan clean too – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire.”

A statement issued from the London Fire Brigade said: “Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a takeaway pizza shop with flats above on North Street in Clapham.

“Part of the ground and first floors of the building and part of the external extraction system were damaged by fire.

“A man and a woman were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews after suffering from smoke inhalation.

“The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by hot embers coming into contact with built-up grease in the extraction system above the pizza oven.

“The Brigade was called at 0326 and the fire was under control by 0505. Fire crews from Clapham, Battersea, Brixton and Lambeth fire stations attended the scene.”