A warning has been issued about the dangers of electric blankets after a blaze at an Essex home.

Two fire crews from Clacton were called to Merrilees Crescent in Holland-on-Sea at 1am today to reports of an electric blanket on fire.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze by 1.15am and crews used a positive pressured fan to clear smoke from the property.

Divisional officer of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Neil Fenwick said: “All electric blankets should be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear and if your blanket is more than 10 years old then it should be replaced immediately.

“When you buy a new electric blanket make sure it has ‘overheat protection’, which will cut off the electricity if it becomes too hot.”

He added all electric blankets should carry the British Standard Kitemark and the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) symbol on them.