A hairdressers’ neighbours had a close shave after an overheating charger started a fire in the salon’s staff room.

Fire engines from Epsom, Leatherhead and Esher were called to Headmasters in Epsom High Street at 6am on Saturday, October 10 and put out the blaze before it could spread to neighbouring flats.

A fire investigation concluded that a charger which had been left on overheated and started the fire.

The fire crews used four breathing apparatus to enter the building and used two jets to put out the fire.

They remained at the hairdressers, which has been recently refurbished, until the fire had been extinguished and the electric supplies had been cut off.

A spokesperson from Epsom Fire Station said a passer-by alerting them to the blaze prevented the damage from being a lot worse.

He said: "The call came in at six in the morning saying smoke and flames were coming through a window.

"People have flats above the hairdressers and smoke got into them.

"A passer-by made the call. It was lucky they did, otherwise it could have been a lot worse."

CEO of Headmaster’s Raju Raymond confirmed the salon would be closed until new dryers were installed and it was safe to reopen.

He said: "The fire started within the staff room and damaged belongings in there, but luckily when one of the staff locked up they kept all the fire doors closed.

"The fire brigade were quite happy with what the team had done.

"Luckily there was no damage to the neighbouring properties.

"We are not starting to trade until probably Wednesday or Thursday."