Dog ‘started fire’ on Christmas Eve after accidentally turning hairdryer on

The dog was waiting by the front door when the homeowner returned, and both were treated for smoke inhalation.

Crews were called to a house in Hockley on Saturday evening (Essex Fire Service/PA)

A dog is believed to have caused a fire in a house on Christmas Eve after accidentally turning a hairdryer on.

Essex Fire Service said crews were called to Hockley on Saturday evening following reports of a smoke-filled house.