Firefighters rushed to a Basildon home after black smoke was spotted coming from the property by neighbour. 

Essex Fire were called to Wells Gardens at around 10:43am yesterday morning after a neighbour called 999. 

Crews have praised the neighbour who made the call after hearing a smoke alarm and seeing black smoke coming from the property. 

Watch Manager Marc Kyprianou said: "The neighbour went to investigate after hearing the alarm, saw black smoke coming from the property and called 999.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered and found a pan on the hob, which had inadvertently been left on by the occupant who had left the property. 

"They removed the pan and carried out a search before ventilating the property.

"The neighbour did exactly the right thing and the incident highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms."

Crews left the scene at 11.51am.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, Essex Fire can fit them for free. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book-home-safety-visit.