A FAST-THINKING man managed to evacuate his family to safety after a laptop burst into flames while they were sleeping.

Essex Fire Service crews from Colchester, Tiptree and Nayland were called to a home in Bluebell Way, Colchester, shortly after 1am on April 14.

Upon arrival the firefighters were confronted by a raging blaze in a bedroom which they managed to extinguish by 1.37am before using a fan to ventilate the property.

As a result of the fire a woman who was in the building at the time of the inferno started to suffer breathing difficulties and had to be given oxygen.

The occupant of the property had been made aware of the fire after being woken up by a loud bang before his fire alarm was triggered.

The inferno had started after a laptop left charging on a bed overheated and suddenly exploded, setting fire to the bedding.

Sensing the potential for danger and devastation, the man then rushed to wake his family before getting them out of the house as quickly as possible.

He also managed to close the internal doors, stopping the fire and smoke from spreading, and he also isolated the electricity.

As a result of his rapid reactions, the majority of the damage was limited to the first floor bedroom.

Darren Holliday, Essex Fire Service watch manager, has now praised the man for how he calmly handled the situation.

He said: "Most importantly, he followed our advice, if there is a fire in your home, get out, stay out and call 999.

"The incident also highlights the importance of not leaving electrical items on charge overnight because, as happened here, they can overheat and cause a fire."