A family of three and their puppy have been left homeless after a devastating fire swept through their home.

Firefighters from Orsett, Southend, Leigh and Rayleigh Weir battled searing heat and flames at the property in Hart Road, Thundersley. 

The blaze, reported at 10.30pm last night, had spread from the first floor of the two-storey detached house and into the roof space.

The house has been left fire and smoke damaged and an investigation into the cause of the fire will take place this morning.

The family is being supported by the Red Cross and a resident was treated by the Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters spent more than two-and-a-half hours tackling the fire and finally put it out by 1am today.