HOT coals left in a bucket caused a shed and summer house to catch fire.

Essex Fire Service were called to Manor Road in Benfleet at 1.47am this morning.

Fireifighters arrived at the property to find a shed and a summer house completely alight.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished it by 2.15am.

Watch Manager Mark Elliott, Rayleigh Weir Fire Station, said: "The fire was caused by hot coals that had been used for cooking and left in a metal bucket in the shed.

"With the number of outdoor fires doubling over the last six weeks compared to this time last year, it's so important that people understand the precautions they need to take to keep their property safe from outdoor fires.

"If you're cooking with any kind of BBQ or coals make sure it's completely cooled and disposed of safely when you've finished with it.

"Likewise, if you have a bonfire never leave it unattended and always make sure it's fully extinguished when you're finished."

The shed was completely destroyed by the fire and the summer house suffered some damage.