A bedroom in the loft of a house was left uninhabitable after a fire caused 100 per cent smoke damage.

The three-bedroom house in Causton Road, Colchester, is occupied by three tenants. Two fire engines from Colchester fire station were called to the property after the fire was discovered just after 6pm on Saturday.

Firefighter Mike Sparrow said: "The third bedroom of the house was a loft conversion and this is where the fire was. We believe it originated from a music system."

No-one was in the bedroom at the time of the fire and it was discovered by the occupant's girlfriend.

"The fire has made the room completely unusable," said Mr Sparrow.

"It was 100 per cent smoke damaged and there was a little fire damage as well - mainly the stereo and a unit."

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to enter the room and were able to put out the blaze within seconds using one hose reel.

"The chap who sleeps in that room did go up himself and try to put out the fire. The room had been closed off and he was out of the house when we arrived," said Mr Sparrow.

"The fire was merely smouldering when we got there and we dealt with it within seconds."

He added: "The man was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, but declined to go to hospital."

Though the loft room is unusable the rest of the house is still habitable. Fire reports and investigations are to follow.

Tenants living in the house yesterday (Sunday) said they were unable to comment until they had spoken to their landlord.

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