A woman was taken to hospital after fleeing a fire in a Thamesmead flat, which was believed to have been caused by a halogen heater.

Some 21 firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour, whilst police officers and paramedics from London Ambulance Service were also called to the 12-floor tower block in Hartslock Drive at 10.35pm.

Part of the first floor was damaged by the flames - and a resident was taken to hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation.

Read more: Three children flee flat fire, also in Thamesmead, the previous night.

A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesman said: “Shockingly, over two thirds of fatal fires involving heaters are caused by clothing or furniture being too close.

“People need to make sure their portable heaters are standing upright and kept well away from clothes, curtains or furniture.”

Map: Last night's Hartslock Drive fire (A), a blaze in Warrior Close the night before (B).

The fire was under control by 11.37pm. Crews from Plumstead, Erith and Bexley all attended the scene.

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