A house has been left uninhabitable after a tumble dryer sparked a fire earlier today.

Firefighters from Loughton, Harlow and London Fire Brigade were called to reports of a mid-terraced property filled with smoke in Forest Road, Loughton.

The fire was extinguished by 10:35am before it spread to two neighbouring houses, but the first floor of the home has been left severely damaged.

It has also been confirmed that no one was inside the house at the time.

Essex Fire have released several tips on how to prevent similar incidents happening, including regularly cleaning the tumble dryer’s filters and not use them over night.

At statement released says: “It is also vital that everyone has working smoke alarms fitted on every level of their home.

“Smoke alarms give you early warning of a fire giving you and family time to get out of the house safely.

“Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will provide and fit smoke alarms to anyone living in Essex completely free of charge.”

To arrange a home safety visit call 0300 303 0088 or book online at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book.