A CAT caused a fire after knocking a washing basket onto a hob.

Firefighters had to force entry to the flat after being alerted by neighbours.

A fire service spokesman said: "Both appliances from Sherborne were mobilised to a property fire at a block of flats in Sherborne.

"Once in attendance crews could see smoke so quickly forced entry to the property and two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were deployed to extinguish the fire using a hose reel jet and thermal imaging camera.

"A washing basket placed to close to the hob was accidentally moved by the family’s cat and caused a small fire.

"Neighbours were alerted due to working smoke detectors."