FIREFIGHTERS have been called to a blaze at a terraced cottage in Harwich.

Crews were called at around 3pm on Christmas Eve after the neighbour heard the smoke alarm going off and called 999.

On arrival to Little Oakley, firefighters found a fire in a first-floor bedroom.

Gary Clarke, station manager, said: "Our crews did a really good job of bringing this fire under control.

“We had concerns it might spread to the roof but thanks to their firefighting skills it was contained to the bedroom and quickly extinguished. 

“This incident shows just how good smoke alarms are at alerting you and others to the first sign of fire - if you hear your neighbour's alarm please go and check everything is ok.

“If you're worried there's an emergency always call 999.

“Once the fire was extinguished, we checked neighbouring homes to make sure they had working smoke alarms.”

The bedroom has been left with fire damage and the cottage has been left with smoke damage. 

The fire service say an investigation into the cause will be carried out when it is safe to do so.