A FAMILY of five were taken to hospital last night after a fire ripped through the first floor of their home.

Two fire crews from Clacton were scrambled to the blaze, in Agincourt Mews, Clacton, at about 11.45pm yesterday.

Two children, aged six and four, an infant, and a man and a woman were all treated for smoke inhalation before being taken to Colchester General hospital.

A paramedic, rapid response vehicle and four ambulance vehicles were also sent to the scene.

The blaze was brought under control just after 12.45am.

An investigation is now due to take place to determine what caused the fire.