Woman rescued from burning bed caused by cigarette

Crews from Orsett and Grays were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon

A woman in her 80s has been saved from a blaze in her bed after a lit cigarette set it on fire.

Emergency crews were called to the flat on Vigerons Way, Chadwell St Mary, at about 14:55 BST on Saturday.

The blaze was put out by firefighters after the woman's neighbour heard a smoke alarm and saw flames. He went to investigate and rescued her from her bed in the living room, Essex fire service said.

Kevin Smith, watch manager at Orsett Fire Station, said: "I'm in no doubt if the neighbour hadn't taken immediate action, the woman would have been seriously injured or worse.

"We are so thankful to the neighbour for what he did; on hearing the alarm he checked to see what was happening and saw flames.

"He then entered the property through patio doors and found the resident, who has mobility issues, on a bed in the living room.

"The incident shows the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home."

He also urged smokers to put their cigarettes out fully.

There was smoke and fire damage to the living room and the woman and man were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.