FIREFIGHTERS have issued safety advice after an electric bike left on charge overnight caused a fire.

Two crews from Grays were called to a flat in Derry Avenue, South Ockendon, today (Monday, 4 September) at 4.08am where they found a fire in the lounge of a two-storey property.

Crew Manager Scott Gregory said: "The occupant had left an electric bike on charge and either the bike caught fire or the batteries exploded.

"Please don't leave items charging overnight or unattended, and make sure you use chargers supplied by the manufacturer.

"Thankfully there were working smoke alarms which alerted the couple and they got out safely and called 999.

"Crews quickly extinguished the fire and rescued a dog, which was unharmed.

"Fortunately, fire damage was limited to the lounge, although the entire property was affected by smoke damage."

Crews fully extinguished the fire by 4.40am.