Firefighters are reminding residents to switch off electronics after they are charged after a near-miss involving a head torch.

Crews reported to a flat in Dartford Road after a resident noticed smoke coming from her bedroom but wasn't sure what was on fire, closing the door and calling 999 from outside her property.

Firefighters extinguished a small fire which they believe was caused by a head torch that had been left on charge.

The torch's batteries had overheated, scorching the carpet and creating smoke in the bedroom.

The property was ventilated after the incident.

There was no significant damage, but firefighters warned that the situation could have been worse.

Dartford Crew Manager Neil Jones said: “Although there was a smoke alarm in the property, it was faulty and therefore didn’t go off.

"If the occupier hadn’t noticed the smoke, it could have developed into a more serious blaze, resulting in much more damage and put the occupant at risk.

"Our advice is to make sure electric items are unplugged once they are fully charged, to avoid the risk of them overheating.

"In addition, we are reminding all residents to make sure they have a smoke alarm fitted on each floor of their home and that they test them weekly, to ensure they will alert you to a fire.”