FIREFIGHTERS had to force their way into a ground-floor flat after a kitchen nearly went up in flames... all while an unaware tenant slept on a sofa.

Two crews from Southend were called to a property in Rampart Terrace, Shoeburyness, shortly after 1.20am on New Year's Eve.

They rushed to the scene after a neighbour heard a smoke alarm sounding before seeing smoke inside the flat after looking through the letterbox.

Upon arrival, firefighters forced open the door to the property before finding the occupant of the flat asleep on the sofa.

After evacuating him from the property and making sure he was okay, crews found a pan burning on the hob in the kitchen before removing it and ventilating the flat.

Temporary watch manager Richard Burch said: "Although a smoke alarm was sounding, it was a bit muffled so we installed two new alarms and left the occupant some home fire safety information. 

"The incident shows the dangers of leaving cooking unattended and the importance of having working smoke alarms. 

"I'd like to thank the resident who raised the alarm, they did exactly the right thing in calling 999."