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.

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"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."