A HOMEOWNER'S garden shed became a “skeletal wreck” after a discarded cigarette unexpectedly caused it to burst into flames.

Firefighters were called to reports of a shed fire in a garden in Hythe Hill shortly after 12pm on March 27.

Upon arrival, crews reported a shed was 100 per cent alight and had spread to some fence panels.

Crews quickly worked to extinguish the fire in a bid to stop it spreading further.

Following an investigation, firefighters say they believe the inferno was caused by a discarded cigarette. 

A spokesman for the Essex Fire Service said: "Firefighters were called to a shed fire in Hythe Hill, Colchester at 12.20pm.

“On arrival, crews reported a shed was 100 per cent alight and has spread to some fence panels.

“Crews worked to extinguish the fire and stop it spreading further.

“Firefighters believe the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette.”

Resident, Matt Dodson, 44, who lives nearby, saw the incident unfold.

He said: “I saw firefighters arriving and I was wondering why and then I walked around and then I saw all this commotion.

“Firefighters arrived and they put it out and then it was smouldering. 

“The whole shed is a skeletal wreck and all the boarding is burnt off - ironically there is a BBQ inside it.”