Candle warning after home devastated by fire

Fire officials have issued safety advice after a candle left burning near a towel caused a house fire that badly damaged a home in Leicestershire.

The blaze started in a bedroom at a property in Church Street, Lutterworth, at about 05:20 GMT on Monday.

About 80% of the second floor was damaged while smoke affected other parts of the property. All people in the house were accounted for and nobody was injured.

Firefighters have warned people to take extra care when using candles ahead of Halloween and Diwali.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said candles and tea lights should be kept well away from items that could catch fire and should never be left unattended.

It added candles should be placed in suitable holders, kept away from draughts and fully extinguished before people leave a room or go to bed.

People were also advised not to burn several candles close together, never to move a lit candle and not to place candles or divas on plastic surfaces such as televisions.

The service said children and pets should be kept away from naked flames and candles should never be used as a night light.

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