FIREFIGHTERS battled to stop a set of flats going up in smoke in Southend.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to a fire in a ground floor flat in Eastcote Grove on Friday night.

When crews arrived they found the flat on the ground floor was full of smoke.

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A brigade spokesman said: “Firefighters ensured everyone from neighbouring flats were safely evacuated.

“Crews extinguished the fire and ventilated the property.”

It is believed the fire was started accidentally at about 7.20pm on Friday.

Crews from Southend, Leigh, and Shoeburyness attended the scene.