FIREFIGHTERS have issued safety tips for anyone tempted to cook al fresco during National Barbecue Week.

The London Fire Brigade is urging people to follow a few simple safety rules during the event, which runs from May 31 until June 6.

These include never leaving it unattended, making sure the barbecue is placed on level ground to avoid it tipping over and only using approved barbecue fuel or fire lighters.

London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner for community fire safety, Andy Hickmott, said: “We want people to enjoy the warm weather but also to be aware barbecues can be perilous if not used properly.

“If you’re careless with your barbecue you could burn more than your sausages”.

For more safety tips, visit london-fire.gov.uk