Kate Beckinsale has spoken of her relief and gratitude after neighbours helped her to escape her Los Angeles home in the early hours of yesterday morning, as wildfires swept the area.

The Underworld star posted on Instagram to thank “David and Dorothy”, who came to her aid at 3am with the offer of a lift – because the actor cannot drive.

Beckinsale was accompanied by her family of four animals, including an epileptic cat, in making the escape.

Sharing a photo of wildfires raging on the horizon, the actor said “angel” friends had offered to take her and her menagerie in:

Kate Beckinsale “so grateful” as neighbours help her flee California wildfires