FIREFIGHTERS rescued a dog, a cat and a budgie from a house fire in Tilbury this morning (Saturday, 10 April).

On arrival at the home in Parker Avenue just after 9.30am crews from Grays and Orsett confirmed the house was completely smoke-logged and the kitchen was alight.

No-one was home at the time of the fire - firefighters were alerted after neighbours heard the smoke alarm sounding.

Crew manager at Orsett Fire Station Paul Dibble said: "Crews have done brilliantly to save these animals today and prevent the incident from becoming much more serious.

"The neighbours acted quickly to alert our Control teams when they heard the smoke alarm - once again demonstrating just how important they are and why we want all homes in Essex to be fitted with them.

"Without a working smoke alarm, this incident could have ended very differently."