A man had a lucky escape after a pan he had left on the hob caught fire.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to Islingword Road, Brighton, at 8am today, after smoke was seen coming from a block of flats.

Firefighters kicked the door down and found the man had left the pan on the hob before falling asleep. A smoke alarm was not fitted in the property.

A fire service spokesman said: “The occupier did not wake up because he didn't have a smoke alarm. We fitted an alarm and carried out a home safety check, which we do for free at any home.”

For a free home safety check call the fire service on 0800 177 7069.