An attic bedroom was severely damaged after a candle fell over and set fire to books and paper.

Bingley firefighters were called to the house in Mitchell Terrace, Bingley, at 10.53pm yesterday.

Crew manager Ian Jackson said five young people, from the age of 12 to 19, were inside the house when the fire started but left the building without injury.

He said: “We believe that a candle which was bought a couple of days ago had been lit in one of the bedrooms and was left burning while unattended.

“It fell over while the owner was out of the room.

“This ignited some books and some papers on the desk and caused quite a serious fire.”

Mr Jackson issued a warning about leaving candles unattended. He said: “The candle has just fallen over – it’s an accident, as simple as that.

“At this time of year people need to be a little bit more vigilant, especially with candles, and under no circumstances should they leave them burning while they leave the room or even the house.”

Mr Jackson said a smoke alarm was fitted in the house but was not working properly. “People need to make sure their smoke alarms are working by checking them regularly,” he said.