An investigation has been launched after a man was rescued from the roof of a burning building in Croydon High Street early this morning,

Residents reported hearing a "loud explosion" after midnight this morning (July 3), with the building quickly becoming engulfed in flames

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the "severe" blaze at King Alterations, a dry cleaner.

Firefighters rescued a man from the property with a ladder, after he reportedly climbed onto the roof to escape the blaze.

This Is Local London:

Picture by Daniel Smith

Media reports have suggested it was a woman who was rescued, but a spokesman for London Fire Brigade confirmed it was a man who was rescued.

The Brigade's 999 Control took 47 calls to the fire and crews were faced with a fully developed fire when they arrived.

Four adults and one child left the building before the Brigade arrived. They were all treated by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire destroyed the ground floor shop. The fire also damaged parts of the first and second floor.

The Brigade was called at 12.58am and the fire was under control by 2.34am.