Selfish motorists delayed firefighters by 10 minutes when they answered a 999 call.

Cars were left awkwardly parked on the corner of Mead Road and Albert Road in Folkestone, blocking the way of a fire engine.

Folkestone Fire Station watch manager Vic Thorogood said: “The cars were parked so tightly around the corner it was difficult to get the engine around the bend.

“This was inconsiderate parking and it led to a journey that should have taken about two to three minutes taking 12.’’

The firefighters had been called to a washing machine alight at nearby Garden Road at 9.30am today.

This was caused by an electrical fault and the damage was limited to a small amount on the machine.

Fire services regularly appeal to drivers to park considerately so their engines are not delayed on emergency callouts.