A man was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out inside a Clapham church hall this morning.

The small part of a room on the first floor in the two and three-floored building was damaged in St Alphonsus Road, and one person left the property before the London Fire Brigade arrived.

The man was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service.

Now the fire brigade has issued a warning after investigators believe the incident to be caused by a candle left unattended.

A LFB spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and put them out before going to sleep.

“Candles should be kept well away from curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.”

Firefighters were called to the scene at 5.23am and it was under control by 6.36am.

Four engines and 21 firefighters from Clapham, Brixton and Battersea stations were at the scene.