FIREFIGHTERS were alerted and attended a fire at the Kier Hardie tower block in Blackshots, Grays, last night (Sunday, 27 February).

Corridors were filled with smoke from the small fire, reported to have been started by an electric bike that overheated while being recharged around 10.30pm.

Seven teams of firefighters attended the block on Milford Road, including an aerial platform ladder called in from.

On arrival, crews reported that a flat on the first floor was heavily smoke logged with smoke alarms going off.

Crews entered the property and extinguished the fire which they believe was caused by an electrical fault while a battery was charging.

A man was left in the care of the Ambulance Service after suffering with smoke inhalation.

The flat was heavily smoke damaged.

Watch Manager Mark Hampton from Grays Fire Station said: "This incident highlights why it is so important to have working smoke alarms in your home.

"Having working smoke alarms in your home can give you and your neighbours and early warning to a fire, giving you time to get out of the house and call the fire service.

"We recommend you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them regularly."

The building was not evacuated, though some residents on higher levels have expressed concern that they heard no alarm.