Corby retirement complex fire: 'Trapped' residents rescued as building evacuated

Emergency services were called to the complex on Thursday afternoon and said "smoke alarms save lives"

Three residents at a retirement complex were rescued and treated for breathing in smoke after becoming "trapped", Northamptonshire Fire Service said.

Crews were sent to a fire at Swan Gardens, in School Place, Corby, on Thursday at about 15:30 GMT.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to search for the tenants.

More than 30 residents were led out by staff, said the fire service. One of those rescued was taken by ambulance to Kettering General Hospital.

The fire alarm "gave a vital early warning to allow the staff to put their fire plan into place", the fire service added.

Mary Harle, regional manager of the Anchor Hanover group which runs the complex, said: "We have a robust fire safety plan in place and the wellbeing of our residents is paramount."

She said, aside from the three treated for breathing in smoke, no-one was harmed.

The cause of the blaze was being investigated, the fire service said.