Officers from London Fire Brigade believe a blaze that broke out in a block of flats in Wembley was started by an unattended candle.

Fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a child and five adults from the apartment block in Alliance Close in Wembley shortly before 3am on Saturday.

Two men in neighbouring apartments were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.

One of the men who had left the building before the emergency services arrived was taken to hospital for treatment.

Fire crews from Wembley spent around an hour tackling the flames before the fire was brought under control at 3:58am.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said investigators believe the cause of the fire was an unattended candle.

He added: “Candles 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 curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.”

London Fire Brigade’s top tips for using candles are:

- Keep candles/tea lights away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire. Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles/tea lights when they are lit.

- Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire resistant candleholder

- Make sure the candleholder holds the candle/tea light firmly and is on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.

For more fire safety information visit : http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/UsingCandles.asp