A boy was saved by his quick-thinking parents after a fire engulfed his bedroom.

The seven-year-old was plucked to safety after flames and smoke filled his room in the early hours.

Today Hadleigh fire station's subofficer Mark Eaglestone said the boy would have died if it was not for his mum and dads immediate action.

He said: "If they didn't react, in minutes the boy would not have made it."

The fire broke out just before 1.30am on Friday morning at the back of the two-bedroomed semi-detached house in Essex Way, Benfleet.

Police are also investigating what caused the blaze. It is believed the fire started outside the property before spreading into the boy's bedroom.

Mr Eaglestone said: "It came into the house via the back door, which was a UPVC glass door.

"From there it went into the kitchen and into the roof."

The intense smoke and flames quickly spread through the roof and into the boy's bedroom.

Mr Eaglestone said: "There were flames and smoke in his room."

He said the boy's room would have taken "seconds" to fill with smoke.