FIREFIGHTERS were called out to a tumble dryer which had caught alight in a house.

On arrival firefighters reported that the fire was in a utility room and worked to extinguish it by 7.05pm.

The cause has been recorded as accidental, and started after a tumble dryer caught alight on Friday night.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has issued tumble dryer safety advice after the incident.

Crews were called to a fire at a house in Silcott Street, Brightlingsea.

They warned to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, not using tumble dryers at night or while unattended and to clean the filters after each use to ensure they do not become blocked with fluff.

They also warned to ensure that the appliance has its own plug socket to avoid extension cable overload.