ESSEX Fire and Rescue Service has released pictures of the damage caused by a blaze a Maldon home earlier this week.

The incident happened on Tuesday in Jersey Road.

It was started by an overheated vape which had been left on a bed, causing the fabric to catch light and the flames spread rapdily with disastrous consequences.

No-one was hurt in the incident but the pictures show the serious damge done to the home.

Martin Cable, watch manager at Maldon Fire Station, said: "This fire has caused extensive damage to the house and the occupants will not be able to live there for some time - there is a lot of damage to repair.

"The fire started in the bedroom where a vape, which was plugged into a charger, was left on the bed unattended. The vape overheated and caught the bedding and mattress alight. The fire then spread around the bedroom.

"Incidents like this show how important it is to think about how you should charge your electrical items safely. We advise that you only use a reputable charger, and not a cheap alterntive which are often not tested or conform to safety standards. We also urge people not to leave any electrical items charging unattended and to place the items on a fire resistant surface, not a bed or sofa which are much more flammable."