Firefighters were called to a flat fire this morning which resulted in a man going to hospital.

Two fire engines were called to Rose Street shortly after 1am after he reported a fire in his living room.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus quickly put out the blaze using a hose reel jet and vented smoke from the property.

The fire is believed to have started when a cigarette was accidentally knocked over causing the carpet and sofa to smoulder before catching alight.

The flat had a working smoke alarm which awoke the home owner.

The resident was given oxygen at the scene after suffering from smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital for a precautionary check.

Thames-side crew manager John Allwright said: "This incident shows just how important it is to fit and maintain working smoke alarms in your home.

"Without the alarm activating, the fire could have remained undetected not only causing more damage but also putting the victims’ life at risk.

"I would also urge people who do smoke in the home to ensure that cigarettes and cigars are fully stubbed out before being discarded."