An elderly woman was rushed to hospital after fire gutted her first-floor flat.

The blaze swept through the home of 82-year-old Lily Tabrett in Meadgate Avenue, Chelmsford, just before 8.15am on Thursday.

Firefighters found Mrs Tabrett inside the blazing flat and dragged her to safety.

Mrs Tabrett, who lives alone, was taken by ambulance to hospital suffering from suspected smoke inhalation.

The lounge and kitchen of the flat - which is part of a sheltered housing block for the elderly - have been left in ruins and the front of the property is blackened and the window has been blown out.

Four fire engines were eventually sent to deal with the blaze.

Sub-officer Keith Baxter, who was at the scene, said: "We sent two men in and they managed to find the woman. The fire took five minutes to put out."

Mr Baxter added an electric fire may have been the cause.

A neighbour and friend of Mrs Tabrett spoke of the damage to the flat.

"We heard all the fire engines and ambulances. You shouldn't think the worst but looking at the flat you have to," he said.

Tony Tubb, press officer for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said a full investigation into the fire would now be carried out.

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