DODGY parkers have been slammed by firefighters after a poorly parked car blocked the route to a flat fire - which has left a family homeless.

Crews were first alerted to the fire, which started in a shed on Brunswick Road, Southend, at around 3am yesterday morning.

While on the way to scene, firefighters received the alarming news that the fire had already spread and was beginning to take hold of a neighbouring semi-detached property.

But as crews approached the scene, they were stopped in their tracks by a parked car which was blocking the road. 

With no alternative route, the delay added several minutes to the teams journey, allowing the fire to spread. 

When firefighters arrived, the fire had spread to the neighbour’s kitchen, and several other sheds had caught fire. 

The team managed to extinguish the fire by 3.27am, but the flat impacted is “uninhabitable” due to smoke damage.

Firefighters have now urged drivers to be more considerate in where they leave their vehicles.

Adam Paterson, crew manager at Southend Fire Station, said: “By blocking our route, this badly parked car added several minutes to our journey to the house affected by this fire.

“There was no alternative route - and we knew that for every minute that we struggled to get past, the fire would be getting worse. 

“Fortunately on this occasion, everyone inside the house had managed to get out safely when we arrived.

“It wasn’t the only car which was double-parked - it is incredibly frustrating. If you’re a driver, please think: we can’t help you if we can’t get through. 

“Always consider whether a fire engine could get past before leaving your vehicle - even if you aren’t planning to leave it there for long.”