A couple have been left temporarily homeless after an unattended cigarette destroyed their house.

Firefighters rushed to Garden Way, Rochford, at around 8.15pm on Friday, after a man and woman, believed to be in their 50s, returned home after a night out to discover the blaze.

Officers using breathing apparatus battled to contain the fire, but the lounge was gutted.

The rest of the house was severely damaged by smoke and the husband and wife were forced to spend the night with neighbours.

Southend station officer Nick Brazier said: "We believe the fire was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette. As a result of the damage the family could not return home that night and had to stay with neighbours.

"The house will need a major clean up and the electrics checked before they move back in. Following this incident I would urge people to be more vigilant when they are putting out their cigarettes.

"Do not put them in waste paper bins until they are sure that they are extinguished."