My lodger and I thought our neighbours we having a barbecue. At midnight, we realised it was more sinister than that. Flames 5m heigh and clouds of smoke engulfed Kensal Green.

Why would you start a fire in the middle of the night?

Before long, there were 3 firemen in Alicia’s room. I was wearing compression tights after my evening run. She was in her pyjamas. It was an interesting moment for all of us… Then Jennyanydots (my cat) escaped.