FIREFIGHTERS were called to a property in Chadwell St Mary this morning (Tuesday, 23 August) after a mum discovered a fire in her kitchen.

Crews were called to Hill House Drive at 11:39am and on arrival, confirmed there was a fire in the kitchen, caused by a pan of oil which had overheated.

Crews worked to extinguish the fire by 12:07pm, and cleared the flat of smoke.

Crew Manager, Mark Twin, at Grays Fire Station, said: "More than half of accidental fires at home are started by cooking. It's really important to keep an eye on food while it's cooking as fires can start easily and spread quickly.

"Fortunately, we were able to extinguish the fire quickly and damage was contained to the kitchen."