A MOTHER and her baby were left homeless after her tumble drier burned down their flat this afternoon.

Flames were licking from the windows of the first floor flat in Norwich Close, Southend, when firefighters arrived at about 2pm.

A team of eight firefighters in breathing masks entered the smog-logged flat to tackle the blaze as colleagues used a jet at the back of the property to stop it spreading to the roof.

Justin Benson-Ryal, watch officer at Southend Fire Station, said: “The fire caused significant damage to the kitchen and living area and the occupants were rendered homeless.

“A lady in her twenties and her baby, who was about one year old, got out just before the fire developed too far.”

The fire service contacted Southend Council, which has helped the woman find alternative accommodation for the night.

A fire investigation found the fire started with a tumble drier in the kitchen.

Firefighters will return to the road to issue safety advice tomorrow.