Mother and baby in Runwell escape caravan fire

The family was staying in the caravan temporarily when the electrics inside a cupboard overheated and caught fire

A mother and baby have escaped a caravan fire which started in a cupboard next to the baby's cot while they slept.

Fire crews attended were called to Meadow Lane in Runwell, near Wickford in Essex, at 00:37 GMT on Thursday.

The family was staying in the caravan temporarily when the electrics inside a cupboard overheated and caught fire.

The caravan has been left with fire and smoke damage and the family was treated for possible smoke inhalation.

Andy Smith from Wickford Station, said: "The family was temporarily staying in a caravan and hadn't thought to check if there were working smoke alarms."

He said he was thankful the mother woke up and urged people to test smoke alarms, especially when staying somewhere new.