A quick-thinking window cleaner was praised for his actions after saving a house from going up in flames.

Martin Hastings, 22, was cleaning windows at Maldon Road when he spotted smoke billowing from a customer's house.

The owner had gone out and accidentally left a pan on the cooker which was threatening to explode.

The drama happened on Monday at about 11.30am while Martin was on his early-morning rounds.

Martin, of Garden Farm, West Mersea, said: "I wasn't being nosy but I spotted the smoke and knew I had to do something.

"I knew there was a cat inside. There was more and more smoke coming out and the pan was close to going on fire so I put the ladder against the window to see if I should go in put it out and in the end the fire brigade arrived on time."

In a strange coincidence Martins's mum, Alison Hastings, took the call about the fire as she works as administration assistant at Colchester fire station.

And her fiancee station officer George Bruce, who also works at the station, went to the scene of the fire to put it out.

Mrs Hastings said: "It was of a bit strange coincidence. I took the call and only later realised Martin had called us. And George went to put it out. It was a bit of a family affair.

"We are proud of him as he acted quickly but he should know what to do with us both working in the brigade!"

By Louise Fuller

Reporter's e-mail: louise_fuller@thisisessex.co.uk

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