A FIRE severely damaged Ruislip's Vision Express store last night.

A total of 35 firefighters tackled a blaze at the High Street opticians, which will remain closed while the cause is investigated.

People in a neighbouring shop noticed smoke outside their window and raised the alarm at 7.20pm.

Six fire engines attended and the fire was brought under control just before 11pm.

The blaze had spread from the back of the shop to the flat above, which was also left badly damaged.

But no one was inside at the time and no one was injured.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said a smoke alarm was fitted, but it was not known if it worked.

He said: “It is important to make sure your smoke alarm is always working properly, and that the batteries have not been removed.

"Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire."

A Vision Express spokesman said the Ruislip store would remain closed while the cause was investigated and the store refurbished.

“Thankfully it appears no-one was hurt in the fire at our Ruislip store last night,” he added.

“We are intending to open a temporary Vision Express store to enable us to continue to look after our customers.”

Customers with questions about existing appointments or orders are asked to call (01895) 677461.

The nearest stores are in St George’s, Harrow and The Pavilions, Uxbridge.