A MAN had to be led to safety by firefighters after he accidentally knocked over a portable heater in his flat.

Two crews from Maidstone were called after the man, in his 60s, dialled 999 at about 9.30pm last night.

A portable heater inside his home at Winchester House, Shepway, near Maidstone, had been knocked over and some nearby carpet had caught alight.

A spokesman for Maidstone Fire Station said the man had not noticed that the appliance had toppled over.

He added: “This carries an important fire safety message. If you are going to use these portable heating appliances, make sure they are not near any combustible materials and keep your eye on them.”

The carpet in the man’s flat was slightly damaged. Fire crews did not need to stay at the scene for long.