Firefighters had to smash their way into a Coulsdon home after a candle set light to a family’s religious shrine yesterday afternoon.

Members of Purley’s blue watch spent just seconds putting out the fire in Coulsdon Road at about 1.30pm, after a keen eyed pedestrian had spotted the blaze through a window.

Blue watch crew manager Steve Hands said candles had been left alight even though the family had popped out.

He said: “If it hadn’t been stopped it would have all gone up.

“The family turned up after we had put it out - obviously they were a bit upset because of the damage.”

Anyone who would like a free home safety check from the brigade can phone Purley fire station on 020 8555 1200 ext. 85460.