Phone charger starts bedroom fire

Crews were called to an end terrace house in Harwich earlier this morning after a neighbour spotted smoke coming from the property. 

On arrival firefighters reported there was a fire in a bedroom and the house was filling up with smoke. 

Firefighters quickly tackled the fire and then cleared the property of smoke. 

Officers believe a phone charger started the fire. 

Station Manager Karl Amos said:

"We think that although the homeowner had finished charging their phone, they had left the charger switched on, causing it to overheat and catch fire to nearby items. 

"It's really important you only charge items for the minimum time they need and then unplug the charger when you are finished with it, 

"Make sure all your chargers are from reputable suppliers and always follow manufacturer's instructions."

The house has been left with heat and smoke damage.