A child's bedroom was gutted in a house fire.

Four fire engines from New Malden, Kingston and Esher were called to reports of a fire in Ronelean Road, Tolworth just before midday today.

Surrey Comet:

Homeowner Tharmakirthy Sylvain, 44, who has lived at the address for 10 years with his wife and two children aged six and seven, said he was alerted to the fire when a neighbour called.

He said: "I got a call from a neighbour who told me. I was out shopping in Tesco in New Malden.

"The children's bedroom was on fire. They will be upset when they come home from school.

"A lot of clothes have been ruined but luckily we keep their toys downstairs. It's sad just before Christmas."

A family friend who was staying at the home while visiting was treated for smoke inhalation.

Watch manager Graham Adams, who was still at the scene two hours after the fire, said: "The first floor is 60 per cent damaged. You would not want to be staying there for a good while.

"We got the fire in control within 20 minutes but it's important that people have smoke alarms. We have knocked on neighbours' doors to remind then."

The cause of the fire is under investigation but Mr Sylvain said he believed the electrical wiring in the house was old.