A woman was affected by fumes and three Burmese cats and a dog were rescued by Ingatestone firefighters from a smoke filled village bungalow on Friday.

The incident happened at the home of David and Aileen Levy, at Maldon Road, Margaretting. Mrs Levy, who suffers from epilepsy, was taken to Broomfield Hospital with finger burns.

Mr Levy had recently appeared in court after a road accident during which he was alleged to have had one of his cats sitting on his head whilst driving. He later lost an appeal against conviction.

Neighbours said Mrs Levy had been out when the fire began and Mr Levy was at work. She had come back to discover the fire and was slightly hurt trying to put out the flames.

The fire had begun near a back boiler in the lounge and was just beginning to ignite the carpet when the firefighters arrived from Chelmsford and Ingatestone.

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