A HOUSE fire started in Benfleet this afternoon.

The roof was destroyed after it a faulty boiler caught fire at the semi-detached house at London Road, in between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm, but the rest of the house was able to be saved thanks to quick-thinking firefighters.

Reports say the fire had broken through to the loft room of the house next door.

A neighbour gained entry to the house to search in the smoke for anyone asleep or any pets before the three fire crews arrived. 

Thankfully, nobody was injured.

Passers by and residents in the street were seen watching the blaze as it broke out around 3pm.

Crews put out the fire by 4.35pm.

Essex Fire Service, watch manager, Gareth Critch, said: "When the occupants discovered the fire they immediately got out, stayed out and called 999, which is absolutely the right thing to do.

"The roof was badly damaged, there was water damage on the first floor and smoke damage in the property.

"However, we were able to limit the damage to the adjoining property, which was minimal."