A FAMILY has been left homeless after an electrical fault sparked a fire in Point Clear last night.

The blaze started in a semi-detached bungalow in Allen Way at 7pm.

Fire crews from Clacton, Weeley and Colchester were sent to the incident.

A brigade spokesman said: "When fire crews arrived at the property they reported the roof void was completely alight and flames had broken through the roof.

"The occupants had been alerted to the fire by their working smoke alarms, so were able to get out, stay out and call the fire service out.

"Firefighters evacuated the neighbouring property so they could deal with the fire safely."

Crews managed to prevent the fire spreading to the property next door.

The fire was extinguished by 8pm.

The neighbours were able to return to their property, but the bungalow affected is no longer habitable.

The roof, a bedroom and the bathroom have been badly damaged by the fire.

The cause of the fire was found to be an electrical fault.