AN off-duty firefighter rescued a family from a burning building.

The Essex firefighter managed to get everyone out of the first floor of a house in Prince Avenue, Southend, after a blaze took hold and ended up leaving two families homeless.

The fire started just before midnight last night and Prince Avenue remains closed off by police this morning as firefirghters continue damping down the house.

The semi-detached house, which has been converted into two flats, was left completely gutted.

For the full story and pictures see Monday's Echo.