A FAMILY has been left homeless after a house was destroyed by fire in Corringham.

Fire crews from Corringham and Orsett, as well as two from Basildon, were called today to Norton Close at around 4.45pm on Saturday.

On arrival, firefighters found that a shed fire had spread quickly to three properties.

It is understood that one man suffered from the effects of smoke damage following the blaze.

A spokesman for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters worked to get the fire under control as quickly as possible.

“Unfortunately, one home has been destroyed, while the adjacent properties have also been affected by smoke damage," he said.

“We believe this fire was caused accidentally.”