TWENTY-FIVE firefighters tackled a flat blaze in Mildmay sparked by a candle.

Half of the second floor of a house converted into flats in Elizabeth Avenue near Essex Road was left damaged on Friday afternoon.

It took just over an hour to get the flames under control, and led to a warning from the London Fire Brigade about leaving candles unattended.

A brigade spokesperson said: “Candles, incense sticks and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from anything that can easily catch fire.

“You should also ensure they are in a heat-resistant holder and placed on a stable surface so they won’t be knocked over.”

Nobody was hurt in the fire.