Firefighters were called to THREE false alarms in the space of two hours at the same address.

Fire engines were called on three separate occasions, after a break glass fire alarm was set off deliberately each time, to an address on Station Road, Westcliff.

Crews were called at 3:06am, 3:43am, and 4:56am, on Sunday morning, only to find that they were not needed.

Crew Manager Christopher Seal, Leigh on Sea Fire Station, said:

"Malicious false alarms like this are so frustrating for everyone involved.

"Time spent at these incidents is time we’re unavailable to respond to other incidents - it could mean there's a delay in attending a real emergency, and ultimately, saving someone's life."

The incidents have been reported to Essex Police.