Three people have been rescued after a serious house fire in West Howe.

Three fire crews from Redhill, Westbourne and Springbourne along with the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne were sent to the blaze at Pilot Hight Road.

They received a number of calls just before 5.30am.

The house was evacuated and no one sustained any injuries in the incident.

Watch manager Brad Stevens told the Daily Echo: “We were sent to a property fire with reports of persons inside.

“On arrival crews were met with a well-developed fire on the first floor and it had been confirmed all persons were out of the property.

“A total of eight breathing apparatus, a main line, compressed air foam system, and two hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire which is currently under investigation.

“Severe damage has been caused to the entire property.”

An investigation into the fire determined that it began after the contents of an ashtray were tipped into a plastic bin igniting tissues inside.

The fire service has issued a warning reminding people of the dangers of cigarette ends and the disposal of them after the family was evacuated.