A man was taken to hospital after an unattended tea light set fire to his bath.

Firefighters were called to an address in Milton Road, Swanscombe, on Saturday night at 8.20pm.

The fire broke out after heat from the candle caused an aerosol can to explode, causing damage to the wall and bath.

A man was led to safety by rescue crews before being taken to hospital by ambulance for precautionary checks.

Just 40 minutes before the incident, fire crews tackled flames in a flat above a pub in New Ash Green after a tea light burnt through a bedside cabinet.

Crew manager Richard Cromarty said: "We realise that tea lights have become increasingly popular in recent years to create a relaxing or romantic atmosphere in the home.

"However, many people are still unaware of the dangers that candles and tea lights can present. The flame from a candle can quickly ignite a nearby curtain or clothing if it’s placed too close, or gets knocked over.

"Both these incidents highlight the dangers of leaving candles unattended. Unfortunately people often treat tea lights as some sort of harmless decoration but we know that they can cause damage, destruction and even death."

For fire safety advice contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service, for free, on 0800 923 7000 or go tohttp://www.3breaths.info/for further information.