An air freshener caused a car to explode in a carpark in Essex, firefighters have confirmed.

Dramatic pictures show the doors, windscreen and roof were completely blown out following a "very loud bang" inside the Ford Focus outside a B&Q.

A man who was freed from the silver hatchback was taken to hospital with only minor injuries.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before midday at the DIY supplies store in Southend, Essex.

"I don't think this has ever happened before - it's not something we've even seen before," said an Essex Fire Service spokesman.