A MAN and a woman were hospitalised after a flat fire in Colchester this afternoon.

They suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Colchester General Hospital following the blaze in James Wicks Court off Balkerne Hill.

Fire crews said a 17-year-old woman was conscious but panicked when she was led from the second-floor apartment. It is believed the man, in his 20s, had gone to aid the teenager.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation was underway as this was the second time they had attended a fire at the address.

Station officer Neil Holloway said the fire had started in the bedroom, possibly as a result of an electrical fault or smoking.

“There was thick black smoke coming out of the building from the second floor,” he said. “It was well developed but it had been smouldering and burning for some time.

“The woman was panicked but she was not unconscious,” he added. “She was given oxygen and put in the care of the paramedics.

“Because this is the second occasion we have attended a fire investigation officer is coming down because there might be an issue.”

A spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “There’s no indication it’s in any way serious or life threatening, they just needed further assessment following the smoke inhalation.”

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said at the height of the fire 20 per cent of second floor was alight.

Four crews, from Colchester and Wivenhoe, tackled the blaze, which broke out around 1.30pm. Fire fighters were stood down shortly after 2pm.