Wandsworth Council has spoken following a blaze caused by a firework led to residents being evacuated in Tooting.

On Monday evening, a 'stray firework' ignited a shed on Church Lane which spread to the property's roofline.

Over twenty five firefighters were sent to tackle the fire from Tooting, Wimbledon and Mitcham fire stations.

The council's emergency team arranged for a nearby community centre to be opened so that residents could be offered shelter.

The rest centre remained open until just before 2am when the fire brigade announced it was safe for them to return to their homes.

The council's housing spokesman Cllr Kim Caddy said:

"Our emergency team is on standby 24 hours a day to react to incidents like this when residents need urgent help and support. The team deals with around 45,000 calls a year in response to all kinds of unforeseen incidents which can include fires, floods and gas leaks, dangerous buildings, chemical spills and even unexploded wartime bombs.

"Fortunately these residents were able to return home reasonably quickly but it must have been a worrying time for them. I'm just pleased that we were able to offer them support while the fire brigade dealt with the fire and gas leak.

"If the residents had not been able to return to their homes the council would have arranged emergency hotel accommodation to those needing it. We would have remained on scene and offering support for as long as was necessary."

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