A FAMILY have been left homeless after a fire caused significant damage to their house on Sunday afternoon.

Crews from Chelmsford fire station were called out to the property in Jarndyce just before 2pm to reports of a blaze inside the semi-detached building belonging to a family of five.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the first floor of the house was heavily smoke logged and had to use one hose reel to extinguish the flames, which they were able to do so by 2.20pm.

Despite the crews swift efforts, the owners of the home have been left homeless and in the care of the Red Cross Emergency Support Team.

An investigation conducted by the fire service has determined the blaze was caused by a faulty electrical appliance.

An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “The officers investigating the cause of the fire have concluded the fire started via a faulty electronic applicance in the property.

“The Red Cross Emergency Support Team were requested to the incident to assist the residents of the house who were made homeless following the fire.”

It is believed the appliance in question was a TV in an upstairs bedroom, although the fire service were unable to confirm this.

Officers from Essex Police were called to the scene at about 2.45pm where a scenes of crime team conducted their own investigation of the house.

The Red Cross Emergency Support vehicle which looked after the family following the fire provides facilities including a toilet and cooker.

Inside the vehicle, which is like a campervan, is a toilet, cooking and washing facilities along with clothing, toys and food.