AN electrical fire ripped through the roof of bungalow and led to an elderly couple having to flee their home.

Four fire crews were called to Harold Gardens, in Wickford, at about 6.15pm on Wednesday as the blaze broke out.

The bungalow’s owners, believed to be grandparents, were alerted to the fire after their electricity tripped out and set off their smoke alarms.

They were able to get out of their home and ring for the fire service, who have since confirmed there were no reported injuries.

Neighbours reported that the bungalow’s roof was completely alight and the loft was on fire.

Firefighters from Wickford, Rayleigh Weir, Basildon and South Woodham Ferrers battled to extinguish the fire by 7.20pm, which has been recorded as accidental and caused by electrics.

The Echo understands that while the fire has made the couple homeless, they are staying with nearby family. One Harold Gardens resident, who wished to remain anonymous, says she saw events unfold from her lounge as crews raced to the scene.

The grandmother says she is relieved to hear nobody was injured and that it came just hours after the pair received a visit from their grandchildren.

She said: “It is really terrible and their home has been completely destroyed.

“They had their grandchildren just hours before, so it was lucky that the fire didn’t start when they were there.

“I was in my lounge and I could see these different coloured lights flashing outside, at first I just thought it was fireworks.

“It was when I couldn’t hear the bang, that’s when I thought something wasn’t right. Fires are absolutely terrible, and thankfully they were able to get out unharmed.”

A 55-year-old neighbour, who also wished to remain anonymous, said he could see electrical sparks flying from the bungalow’s roof.

He said: “It seemed to start on one side and then the sparks flew right to the other side of the bungalow.

“You do start to fear for your own home when it spreads like that.

“It was lucky the smoke alarm alerted them when it did.”

The fire service is urging homeowners to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their home.

To book a free home fire safety visit, you can call Essex Fire and Rescue on 0300 303 0088.