A house has been left uninhabitable after firefighters were delayed by an inconsiderately parked car which blocked their route.

Teams were called to reports of a shed fire on Brunswick Road, Southend, at around 3am this morning (July 27).

While on their way to the blaze, crews were informed that the fire had spread to an adjacent semi-detached property - but before they could get there, they were stopped in their tracks by a car which blocked the road.

This then added several crucial minutes onto their route, and by the time crews arrived, the fire had spread to the kitchen and several other sheds were also alight.

Crews managed to extinguish the fire by 3.27am, but the property has been left uninhabitable due to smoke damage.

It's believed the blaze started accidentally.

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Firefighters have now urged drivers to be more considerate in where they leave their vehicles.

Adam Paterson, crew manager at Southend Fire Station, said: "By blocking our route, this badly parked car added several minutes to our journey to the house affected by this fire.

"There was no alternative route - and we knew that for every minute that we struggled to get past, the fire would be getting worse. Fortunately on this occasion, everyone inside the house had managed to get out safely when we arrived.

"It wasn't the only car which was double-parked - it is incredibly frustrating. If you're a driver, please think: we can't help you if we can't get through.

"Always consider whether a fire engine could get past before leaving your vehicle - even if you aren't planning to leave it there for long."