TWO people were rescued from a house fire after there were no working smoke alarms in the property.

Fire crews rushed to Sailsbury Avenue, Westcliff at about 12.50am today.

Crews were called after a neighbour smelled smoke and called 999.

On arrival firefighters reported that the fire was confined to the downstairs hallway and two people were trapped in an upstairs bedroom.

Firefighters used ladders to reach the occupants and rescue them through the bedroom window.

Meanwhile two more crews began fighting the fire in the hallway, quickly brought it under control and extinguished it by 1.40am.

The casualties were left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

Watch Manager Daniel Wastell, Southend Fire Station, said: "There were no working smoke alarms in the house, so had it not been for the neighbours smelling smoke and reporting the fire this incident could have had a very different outcome.

"Incidents like this show how important it is to have a working smoke alarm in your home.

"Smoke alarms give you early warning of a fire in your home, so you have time to get out, stay out and cal the fire service out."

The hallway has been left fire damaged and the house is smoke damaged throughout.

An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service want every home in Essex to have working smoke alarms. You can get them fitted for FREE by booking a home safety visit. Call us on: 0300 303 0088 or book online: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book