An apartment block was evacuated in the early hours when a fire smoked-out the top floor.

At 1.58am crews from Loughton and Waltham Abbey fire stations were called to the building in Harrison Road in Waltham Abbey after occupants were alerted to the smell of smoke.

On entering the building they found the top floor apartment was filled with smoke from a small fire.

Firefighters worked hare to contain the fire to the loft area and successfully prevented it from spreading further throughout the apartment block.

At 2.31am the fire was completely out, with crews using thermal imaging cameras to make sure there were no remaining hotspots within the building.

The loft area, which has recently been converted for use as a dressing room area and clothes storage, has been completely smoke damaged.

The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental.

A spokesperson for Essex Fire Service said: "While this property was fitted with smoke alarms, there were none in the converted loft area meaning they did not go off when the fire started.

"We recommend that you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home, to provide the best possible protection for you and your family - and we'll come and fit them for free.

"Simply visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088 to arrange your free visit."