FIRE crews were called to a detached house in north Colchester after a tumble dryer caught alight.

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The blaze at the property in Northfield Gardens in Highwoods started in the adjoining garage just before 9pm.

Initially two teams were sent to the fire - thought to have been started by a tumble dryer - but an extra crew were later called to help.

The gas and electricity supplies to the house were isolated.

A spokesman for the fire service said the house was 20m by 10m and told how the garage had been engulfed in flames before it spread to the roof of the main property.

He said firefighters put on special breathing kits and used hoses to fight back the flames.

By 9.30pm, the fire was reported as ‘surrounded’ and the service spokesman said ‘steady progress’ was being made.

Crews left the scene at around 10.15pm.