Firefighters spent nearly two hours fighting a serious flat fire last night.

Two appliances were called to the first floor flat in Trinity Road, Southend at just after 6pm. Sub officer Kevin Playfair said the fire was caused by a scented candle left burning by the flat's woman occupant.

He said: "We believe the lady had left the candle by the open window while she went to get her dinner from the kitchen.

"The fire was very serious, and had burned through the ceiling into the attic area, as well as through the floorboards. It had also taken the plaster off the walls."

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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