The London Fire Brigade is warning against the danger of fires caused by direct sunlight after three fires in one week.

The incidents include a concave mirror focusing sunlight onto a shirt that was draped over a chair in East Dulwich.

A nutella jar started a blaze in Peckham Rye and a mirror table reflected light onto a bean bag in the home of lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone in Mayfair.

There have been 125 fires caused by the sun’s rays in the last five years and seven incidents were recorded this winter alone.

The brigade is calling on people to keep mirrors and crystal or glass objects away from the windowsills.

Charlie Pugsley, of the brigade’s fire investigation unit, said: “These sort of fires are not as rare as you would think.

“I’ve seen everything from sparkly door knobs to crystal balls starting fires.

“Crystal and glass ornaments and items such as mirror tables should be kept out of direct sunlight.

“This shows these fires are not an urban myth.”