An investigation has been launched after a house was damaged by an overnight fire.

Firefighters were called to reports of a blaze at a property along Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester at 3.30am on Saturday.

The fire was understood to be in the living room, where both the curtains and sofa were alight.

Firefighters tackled the blaze for more than an hour and it was extinguished by 4.35am.

The property is said to have received some smoke and fire damage.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service say an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.