A man is "devastated" after a fire broke out at his cottage in Great Braxted this afternoon.

Gareth Ellis, 32, said the fire started at Bramble Cottage, Lea Lane, due to an electrical fault.

Mr Ellis said: "The electric tripped out so I went upstairs to see what was wrong.

"My bedroom is completely gutted. I feel shell shocked."

Mr Ellis said his sister Bryony, 22, and mum Julie, 50, were also in the cottage when the fire broke out, along with their dog.

The family will still be able to stay in their home, but Mr Ellis said he wants to make sure the structure is secure.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called to the blaze at 3.20pm.

The fire, which began in an airing cupboard, spread across the second floor of the building.

It was put out by 4.04pm.

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the first floor of the cottage was heavily smoke logged.

Three fire engines were sent.