A CAT died after breathing in smoke during a flat fire in the early hours of Saturday.

Firefighters have issued a warning about the use of candles following the blaze in Marshall Street, Soho. Half of a third-floor flat was damaged.

The London Fire Brigade said: “Half of a flat on the third floor was damaged in the fire. A cat found in the flat is thought to have died as a result of smoke inhalation. Around 10 people evacuated the other flats and no other injuries were reported.”

Its statement added: “The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was due to a lit candle being knocked over, possibly by the cat, and igniting combustible materials.”

Firefighters were called at half-past midnight and the fire was under control around 90 minutes later. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Soho, Euston and Lambeth fire stations attended the scene.