A COUPLE whose home went up in flames have thanked their neighbours for rallying round to help them.

Mick and Kathleen Judd were devastated when their bungalow in Wick Lane, Wickford, was destroyed on Tuesday afternoon.

They lost most of their possessions in the blaze.

The fire started in their garage at the back of the bungalow, and about 60 neighbouring residents had to flee their homes, because of fears a gas canister inside the garage could explode.

There was no explosion, but the roof of the bungalow collapsed before the fire was extinguished.

The couple yesterday praised their neighbours.

Mr Judd, 66, said: “We want to thank everyone who has been so supportive.

“All the windows had melted down one side of the bungalow. We were told we would be liable if someone broke into our house through them and got injured in the wreckage, even if they were trying to steal something, which seems crazy to me.

“Two neighbours went and fetched fence panels from one of their gardens, which we secured over the windows to block them off. They even brought me a beer.”

Mr Judd thanked other neighbours who brought him and his wife, 61, cups of tea, while they stood in shock watching and waiting for the fire to be put out.

He added: “Someone also looked after our dog for us. Our friends and neighbours really rallied round and we are very grateful.”

Mr Judd fears family photos dating back 100 years will have gone up in smoke and most of their possessions have been ruined.

He said: “The roof has collapsed and most of the photos were up in the loft, so we’ve probably lost them. We can’t go searching through the wreckage yet, because the place is so unstable. We don’t know if anything can be saved.”

Assistant divisional fire officer Neil Fenwick, who oversaw 35 firefighters battle to put out the flames, confirmed residents are routinely advised to block entrances to their home after fires, in case someone breaks in and injures themselves.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.