TWO families have been left homeless after a fire in Daiglen Drive, South Ockendon earlier this evening (Friday, 25 March).

A number of crews attended the blaze which has caused significant damage to two adjacent properties in the early evening. While firefighters tackled the blaze, local residents were advised to keep their windows shut as there was significant smoke coming from the fire.

Nub New attended the scene where a member of one of the families affected by the blaze told us: "Everyone is safe including the pets. No one has been injured but they are now homeless."

The residents in the two affected properties were in private rented accommodation.