A FIRE in the centre of Colchester left a young family homeless and killed their pet dog despite the fire service’s best attempts to rescue it.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday morning in a flat in William’s Walk, which is a short distance away from Colchester High Street.

The fire was believed to have been started in a utility cupboard which contained a fuse box and a fridge-freezer unit.

The incident resulted in three fire engines being called into action – two coming from Colchester Fire Station, and another coming from Wivenhoe.

The emergency call-out was received at 10.27am, with a woman and her young child  managing to get out of the flat shortly after.

Both suffered from mild smoke inhalation in the aftermath of the fire, though their pet dog sadly died, despite attempts at resuscitation.

Although firefighters eventually managed to extinguish the fire successfully – leaving the scene by 1pm - the flat was completely smoke logged and has been deemed temporarily uninhabitable.

It means the young family has been made homeless until repairs are made to the property.

Neighbouring flats were also affected by the fire, with residents being evacuated until it was safe for them to return to their properties.

A crew manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), Brenden Cardy, said the fire had been recorded as accidental.

He said: “Thankfully the occupant did exactly the right thing when she noticed the fire; she got out, called 999 and stayed out.

“We believe the fire started in a utility cupboard where a fuse box and fridge-freezer were located.”

He added that electricity checks for appliances are particularly important in minimising the risks of fires, with appropriate ventilation also key in preventing overheating.

He said: “The incident serves as a reminder to get your electrics tested regularly and make sure appliances like fridges and freezers have room for air to ventilate behind the appliance.

“I'd like to praise crews for their quick response, hard work and professionalism in difficult circumstances.”

The fire came the day after a house fire in St John’s Road where a basket of kindling caught alight.