Three families were left homeless after fire engulfed a row of terraced houses.

Firefighters believe the blaze, which ripped through the terraced two-storey homes in Somercotes, Laindon, was started by a boy playing with an aerosol can.

Flames and smoke quickly spread to neighbouring properties, forcing the three families and their pets to evacuate their homes at around 2.50pm yesterday. (Wed)

Resident Helen McGuinness said her home had shaken twice before she noticed flames through her bedroom window.

Mrs McGuinness, who lives next door to the house where the fire started with husband Tony and their children, said: "I just got myself and my two dogs out of the house as quickly as possible. Luckily my kids were at school."

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