A family have been left homeless after a fire destroyed their house.

Fire services rushed to Mayflower Way in Ongar this morning, Thursday June 16, after smoke alarms alerted a family to a fire in their home.

Crews attended the semi-detached property just after 9am and found it completely alight.

With the fire spreading rapidly, the firefighters worked hard to prevent it spreading to the adjoining property.

Crews from Chelmsford, Brentwood, and Harlow attended, as well as Grays firefighters providing an aerial ladder platform.

Station manager Toby Ingham said: “Sadly, a family have been left homeless as a result of the fire today but, fortunately the property had working smoke alarms and we’re pleased to confirm that nobody was hurt.

“I’d also like to thank Essex Police who were at the scene helping to keep the public safe while we worked to extinguish the fire.”

It is believed that the fire was accidental, but a full investigation is being carried out to determine the cause.