FIREFIGHTERS attend incident in Southend after a pan was left cooking on the hob whilst the occupants popped out.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service have issued safety advice following a kitchen fire at a flat in Kenway, Southend.

Crews from Southend and Shoebury were called at 3:16pm after a neighbour raised the alarm.

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On arrival the kitchen was full of smoke after a pan had been left cooking on the hob whilst the occupants had popped out.

A fan was used to clear the smoke from the second-floor property.

Due to the quick response, there was minimal damage.

More than half of the accidental fires at homes are started by cooking, according to Essex Fire.

Dan Trendell, watch manager at Essex Fire, said: “Luckily there was minimal damage, but this could have been a lot worse.

“We’d advise not to go out and leave your cooking unattended, even if it is just for a few moments.

“And make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it regularly.

“Smoke alarms give you or your neighbours early warning so we can get to you in time and prevent damage to your property.