FIREFIGHTERS were forced to spring in to action yesterday after a car burst into flames on a residential street.

Residents of Ramuz Drive in Westcliff, were left fearing for the safety of their property on Saturday, June 26.

Firefighters from Leigh were called to the scene at around 1.30pm and arrived to find a car engulfed in flames - a green Ford Focus.

Witnesses say it took firefighters just five minutes to arrive on the scene and begin fighting the flames.

Residents on the street were concerned the car would explode, but some braved the flames to move their cars away before the fire could spread.

The fire was so hot that it shattered the window of a nearby house.

The firefighters began to extinguish the fire and it was put out by around 2pm.

Victor Stroia, 41, witnessed the fire from the window of his home.

He said: "I first noticed some smoke at about 1.30pm when my partner pointed it out to me.

"I phoned 999 and they said they were aware of the fire. The fire fighters came about five minutes later.

"The fire wasn't massive but enough to engulf the car at times.

"The neighbours moved their cars early so no other vehicles or property was damaged.

"I found out later that the fire has started from the fuel pump.

"I was worried sometimes that the car may explode so I moved away from the windows to avoid injury from bits of glass if the worst happened.

"It didn't explode but the car went from smoking to being engulfed in fire very quickly.

"From the windshield to the back of the car was in flames."

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed the fire was accidental.

A spokesman said: "One crew from Leigh was called to Ramuz Drive, Westcliff, at 1.28pm yesterday after reports of a vehicle fire.

"On arrival firefighters reported that one car was completely alight and extinguished the fire by 2.04pm.

"During the incident the window of a nearby house broke due to the heat from the fire.

"The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental."