FIREFIGHTERS who stopped a blaze in a shed ripping through a house and a classic car have warned people to keep their distance from crews when they attend emergencies.

Quick-thinking Essex County Fire and Rescue Service teams from Colchester and Tiptree were called to the incident in Queensland Drive, Colchester, at 4.30pm on Wednesday.

Residents had seen smoke and flames coming from their shed.

By the time the crews arrived, it had already spread to neighbouring garages and a car.

It was extinguished within an hour with the shed and garages having been completely destroyed. The outside of the house suffered minor smoke and heat damage.

Crew Manager Dave Farrant from Colchester Fire Station, said: "When we arrived at the incident we were pleased to see the residents had already got themselves outside of their home and at a safe distance from the fire.

"Our crews then worked quickly to stop the fire spreading further and by doing so managed to stop major damage to the house as well as saving a classic car."

"We really appreciate the gratitude and support we continually receive from our public, but we want to take this opportunity to remind people to give us space to work.

"We often see crowds gather when we are dealing with incidents, but please remember that keeping your distance from the incident, our crews and other people is as important as ever."

The cause has been recorded as accidental.