A man has been left homeless after a fire in his home was caused by unattended cooking.

Fire crews were called to the bungalow in Wheatley Road, Corringham yesterday at 6pm. Two crews from Basildon and one from Orsett attended.

The fire service says crews fully extinguished the fire by 6.43pm and the bungalow had working smoke alarms, although the owner noticed the fire before they sounded.

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Watch Manager Mark Blakebrough said: "The occupant had finished cooking but accidentally left the his hob on.

"A chip pan caught alight and the fire spread rapidly, destroying the kitchen and causing smoke damage throughout property.

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"Thankfully the occupant got out, stayed out and called 999 and crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and limit the damage as much as possible.

"Please take care in the kitchen, particularly if you are using hot oil because it can set alight easily."