A faulty dishwasher has been determined the cause of a fire that filled an Essex flat with smoke.

The blaze broke out on the fifth floor of Victoria Court, Chelmsford, in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters from Chelmsford, Great Baddow, Witham and Ingatestone were called to the scene at 12.40am.

They arrived to find the whole flat heavily smoke logged. Wearing oxygen masks and using a pressure fan to clear smoke from the property, crews were able to bring the fire under control.

An investigation has since determined that the fire started in a dishwasher.

An Essex fire service spokesman said: “Incidents like this show how important it is to make sure all your household appliances are in good working order.

“We urge everyone to regularly check their appliances for old or worn flexes and make sure they are clean and well cared for. We also recommend you don’t use your appliances when you are not home or overnight.”