THE roof of a building in Kingston was destroyed yesterday after it was engulfed in a blaze.

Dozens of firefighters were called in the early hours of the morning to the fire on Richmond Road.

No injuries were reported but it took 1 hour and 19 minutes to get the blaze under control.

The fire took place in the loft space of a flat in a three-storey building on the road.

It is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical fault.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said yesterday: "Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a shop with flats above on Richmond Road in Kingston-Upon-Thames.

"The roof of the three-storey building was destroyed by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

"Firefighters were called to reports of smoke in the vicinity and on arrival were faced with smoke and flames coming from the roof of the property.

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus carried out a search of the building and located the fire in the loft space.

"The Brigade was called at 0153 and the fire was under control by 0312. Fire crews from Surbiton, Kingston, New Malden and Twickenham fire stations attended the scene.

"The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical event."