Six flats were evacuated this morning after smoke alerted residents to danger this morning.

Residents living in flats in Barn Mead, Harlow, were evacuated as a precaution after smoke built up in the communal area of a residential premises.

Fire crews were called to the incident shortly after 7am this morning (Thursday, September 3).

After one of the residents noticed the smoke, he immediately dialled 999.

Crews made sure on arrival that everyone was safely out of the building.

Firefighters ensured that the smoke did not spread further than the communal area and that the scene was safe, before leaving the property in the care of the local authority by 7.47am.

Fire inspectors believe the fire was caused by an electrical fault within the fuse box of the building.

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