A summer party erupted into a nightmare when flames from a barbecue spread across a Tooting garden.

The blaze, in Brightwell Crescent, destroyed hedges, plants and fences before firefighters arrived at 7pm on Monday evening.

The host, a South African man, wanted to heat the barbecue up before cooking his food - but the flames became too strong and blew into a hedge.

James Berry, crew manager at Tooting fire station, said: “The garden was alight when we arrived, and the party ruined. We’d like to remind residents to always keep a hose available when cooking or using a barbecue in the garden. ”