A FAMILY were forced to flee their home yesterday when their second-hand dishwasher caught fire.

Firefighters were called to Lockinge Close, Didcot, at 10.38pm after an electrical fault caused the appliance to go up in flames.

ALSO READ: Marks and Spencer to close another 110 stores as sales plummet

Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and found flames coming from the front of the dishwasher and quickly extinguished the blaze.

A high pressure fan was then used to clear the smoke from the building.

Oxford Mail: The burnt remains of the dishwasher. Picture: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue ServiceThe burnt remains of the dishwasher. Picture: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the family had done 'exactly' what the service advise; completely evacuating the building and closing the kitchen door to contain the fire.

ALSO READ: Council to take back unused graves as Oxford runs out of burial plots

Watch manager Jon Walker from Didcot Fire Station added: “If you are buying appliances second hand, please have them electrically tested prior to commissioning them in your property.

"It’s not worth risking your life to save money, a simple electrical test could avert a disaster."