A kitchen in a flat above a bakery has been destroyed after a blaze this morning, believed to have been sparked by a faulty fridge-freezer.

The incident happened at 6.50am in Connaught Avenue, Frinton.

Two fire crews from the town extinguished the blaze, wearing breathing apparatus and using three jets to put it out by 8.27am.

A ventilation fan was used to clear the flat of smoke.

Leading Firefighter Anthony Clement said: “We believe the fire was caused by a fridge freezer. The kitchen was destroyed by the fire.

“There was a smoke alarm in the flat but it had no batteries.

“The two occupants were very lucky because they were woken up by the alarm from the bakery below.

“The kitchen fire would have cut off their escape from the property, if they had not been woken. They were very fortunate.”

Each year Essex County Fire & Rescue Service (ECFRS) is called to around 500 kitchen fires, nearly 10 a week.

The brigade recommend the best way to stay safe in the home is to fit and regularly test smoke alarms.

If you would like to arrange for a free home fire safety visit, during which smoke alarms will be fitted free of charge, then call ECFRS 0300 303 0088 or email webmaster@essex-fire.gov.uk.