A HOUSE in central Southend has been left badly damaged after a serious blaze caused by a charger which caught alight.

Three fire crews fought the flames at the property in Prittlewell Square, Southend, at 3pm this afternoon (Sunday).

A passer-by noticed flames inside the house and alerted the fire service prompting a response from fire crews from Southend, Hawkwell and Rayleigh Weir.

When firefighters arrived they were faced with a well-developed fire in the kitchen, Essex Fire and Rescue Service said.

They reported that the three-storey house was heavily smoke damaged.

The homeowner was out at the time.

Watch manager Mark Petty-Mayor, Southend fire station, said: "Our crews worked really hard to contain the fire and stop it spreading any further.

"Unfortunately the house has been badly damaged by both fire and smoke and the homeowner won't be able to live there until it's fixed."

The cause of the fire has been put down to a cordless drill charger in the kitchen.

Mr Petty-Mayor added: "Our homes are filled with lots of chargers these days, so it's really important to be aware of what's plugged in and switch everything off when you leave the house.

"Of course, our most vital piece of advice is always to make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home."