FIREFIGHTERS rushed to tackle flames which ripped through a bedroom in a mid-terraced house.

Two crews from Dovercourt were called shortly before 4.59am this morning to the fire in Main Road, Dovercourt.

Firefighters evacuated adjoining properties and managed to extinguish the fire by 6.10am.

Crews then dampened down all the remaining hot spots.

An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said one woman who had suffered smoke inhalation was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

Two ambulance crews were called to the fire and attended the woman in her forties.

A North East Essex Ambulance Service spokesman said:"She had minor smoke inhalation and was taken to Colchester General Hospital for further treatment."

The rest of the family have decided to stay with relatives.

The home, which is owned by Tendring Council, suffered damage from both flames and smoke.

It is set to be boarded up and made secure following the fire.

A passer-by, who asked not to be named, said: “I was walking down the road in the daytime, and could smell burning and when I looked up at the houses, I saw that there had been a fire.

“The fire looked awful and has completely gutted the upstairs bedroom.

“I hope the people who were inside are okay because it looked dangerous.”

The cause of the blaze is being investigated by Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for Housing, said that the council’s structure and development manager was called last night to make a check on the property.

He said: “It seems that the main damage is to the upper floor and part of the roof at this stage.

“We are not aware of any damage to the properties either side but that will be looked into.

“The overall aim will be to get the tenants’ home back in use as quickly as we possibly can do. In the meantime it will be boarded up and made secure.”