Firefighters believe that a charging phone was the trigger of afire that damaged the ground floor of a house.

The fire broke out at Churchill Avenue, near Northwick Park station, on Saturday (March 26).

Smoke was seen rising in the area and a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said crews were faced with a “well-developed fire” after they were called at 10.44am.

By 12.20pm the fire was under control after four fire engines and 25 firefighters tackled the blaze.

According to the brigade, the phone was charging and left on top of bedding at a rear bedroom when the battery combusted.

A spokesperson said: “Batteries can present a fire risk if they’re over-charged, short circuited, submerged in water or damaged, so it’s really important to protect them against being damaged and charge them safely.”