A homeowner suffered burns after his kitchen caught fire.

Firefighters were called to a ground floor flat in Magnolia Drive, Colchester, at about 10.35am this morning.

When fire crews arrived they reported the fire was in the kitchen and the smoke had filled the whole flat.

The accidental fire is thought to have been caused by batteries which had been thrown away.

Watch Manager Stephen Smith from Colchester Fire Station said: "The occupants were not alerted to the fire as early as they could have been as they did not have any working smoke alarms.

"They only noticed the kitchen was on fire when they spotted the smoke. The occupant then tried to extinguish the fire, but suffered burns to their face, hands and feet.

"Incidents like this show how important it is to have a working smoke alarm in your home. Smoke alarms give you early warning of a fire in your home, so you have time to get out, stay out and call the fire service out.

"It is also advisable not to try and tackle the fire yourself. Close the door to the room affected by the fire and get yourself and your family out safely."