A fire started by a tea light that was being used to celebrate Diwali saw 70 people evacuated from a block of flats.

Firefighters were called to a property in Northolt Road, Harrow, after a bedroom in a first floor flat had caught fire.

It is thought to have started when a flame in a shrine being used to celebrate the festival of Diwali spread after being left unattended.

Crews from Northolt, Harrow and Wembley, who provided around 20 firefighters and four fire engines, had the blaze under control within an hour. There were no reported injuries.

Fire officers have warned people to be particularly careful when celebrating events with candles.

They urge users to keep them away from curtains and other materials which could easily catch fire. They should also never be left unattended.

Watch Manager Pat Flynn, who was at the scene, said: “This fire could have been a lot worse but fortunately a quick thinking neighbour rang the Brigade immediately after seeing flames inside the flat.

“Crews arrived on scene very quickly and managed to contain the fire to the bedroom and stopped it spreading to the rest of the property.

“With Diwali celebrations continuing we would urge Londoners to never leave candles unattended. 

“This was a severe fire and shows even a small candle left unattended can easily cause tremendous damage.”