FIRE crews were called to a residential home this morning to rescue a 93-year-old woman who was trapped in the pit of a lift shaft.

Two crews from Leigh and Southend were called at 5.50am to Drake Road in Westcliff-on-Sea.

Sub officer Karl Smith from Leigh Fire Station said: “Fire crews worked in difficult conditions due to the limited space in the lift shaft to rescue the woman.

“The woman had fallen approximately 1.5 metres into the pit of the lift shaft. Firefighters worked with paramedics to bring the lady to safety.”

The woman was placed in the care of the ambulance service and the incident was dealt with by 6.32am.