Essex flat destroyed by fire

A two-storey flat in Essex has been completely gutted by fire while a family was out shopping, it has been reported.

The family home, situated above a bakery which was also closed, has been destroyed by both fire and smoke damage, after either an electrical fault or a carelessly discarded cigarette set off the blaze.

Khalil Barazi, who witnessed the fire, told the Southend Echo News: "There was loads of black smoke coming out the windows and the flames were quite big. A big crowd was stood watching."

Throughout yesterday afternoon three fire crews arrived to tackle the blaze, which also lead to water damage in the ground floor bakery.

The family will no doubt be contacting their buildings and contents insurance providers, in an attempt to claim cash to replace their goods.

September 02^nd 2008

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