A cat had to be rescued after a fire broke out at a block of flats in Roehampton.

Half of a five-room maisonette on the seventh and eighth floors of the building in Highcliffe Drive was damaged when the London Fire Brigade attended just before 1pm yesterday (January 18).

The animal, called Minx, was treated after the incident and given a breathing apparatus, however there are no reports of other injuries.

Firefighters say the fire was caused by sunlight reflecting off a mirror.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "These sorts of incidents are not as rare as you would think.

“Our crews have seen everything from sparkly doorknobs and crystal balls to glass fish bowls and food jars containing crystals starting fires.

“We would advise people to keep items such as crystals, glass ornaments and shaving mirrors out of direct sunlight.

“It is also vital to have working smoke alarms throughout your home."