A flat in sheltered accommodation has been completely destroyed after a fire believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette. 

Firefighters were called to the blaze in Regency Lodge, Clacton, after being alerted to an automatic fire alarm on Sunday. 

On arrival crews from Clacton could see smoke coming out of the windows on the second floor. 

Watch manager Gary Clarke said: "We had eight firefighters in breathing apparatus enter the building which was heavily smoke logged.

"Unfortunately one flat has been completely destroyed by the fire and the entire floor has been smoke damaged. We are working with partner agencies to support residents who have been temporarily displaced.

"I'd like to thank the crews who worked quickly and professionally in very difficult conditions to extinguish the fire and evacuate residents safely."

A fire investigation found that the cause of the fire was a discarded cigarette.