Halloween is coming up on Monday October 31, and as well as trick-or-treating and dressing up, many people will be lighting candles to create a spooky atmosphere.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has warned residents to take extra care with candles and potentially flammable Halloween costumes.

In the last five years, during the period between October 22 and November 13, the LFB has attended 119 fires caused by candles, incense and oil burners.

During the same period 41 people were injured in candle-related fires.

Last year, TV presenter Claudia Winkleman championed the cause for safer Halloween costumes after her then eight-year-old daughter was injured when the costume she was wearing caught fire.

Make sure to keep your Halloween costumes away from candles and flames

Following Claudia's high-profile campaign, several retailers agreed to increase fire safety standards on all their children's dressing-up ranges.

Deputy assistant commissioner for fire safety at the LFB, Andy Hearn, said: "Candles, incense and oil burners are one of the biggest causes of fires in the home and if they are left unattended you could well see your Halloween and Diwali celebrations go up in smoke.

"They can be particularly dangerous if you are wearing clothing or fancy dress that could accidentally brush against a naked flame - something that can leave people badly injured.

"We are wishing people a safe and happy Diwali and we want everyone to enjoy Halloween but with both celebrations falling together this year we are urging people to take extra care around candles, especially if you or your loved ones are wearing fancy dress."

The London Fire Brigade top safety tips:

    1. Keep candles well away from items that could catch fire like fancy dress costumes

    2. Only buy children's Halloween costumes from reputable outlets

    3. Look for the CE safety mark on all fancy dress outfits

    4. Place candles on a heat resistant surface, like a ceramic plate

    5. Never leave a candle unattended

    6. Always fully extinguish a candle before going to sleep or going out

    The LFB said: "If the worst happens and your clothes or costume catch fire remember: stop, drop and roll.

    "Don't run around, you'll make the flames worse.

    "Lie down and roll around. This makes it harder for the flames to spread.

    "If you are with someone whose clothes have caught fire, get them to stop, drop and roil, then smother the flame with heavy material like a coat or blanket."

    Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

    You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.

    Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!