A BLAZE tore through a house yesterday afternoon, gutting the entire first floor and filling the building with smoke.

A man escaped the fire in Northlands Avenue, Orpington, before fire crews arrived at 4.45pm.

The resident was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Firefighters from Bromley and Orpington had the flames under control shortly before 5.30pm.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.