Two elderly people were treated for smoke inhalation after fire broke out in a two-storey house.

Crews had to use breathing gear to tackle the blaze, which started in the ground floor kitchen of the property in Stonehouse Lane, Halstead.

The occupants were treated at the scene and passed into the care of paramedics.

Two fire engines were called to the scene at around 4.30pm.

Crews, who cleared the smoke using a positive pressure ventilation fan, said the cause is believed to have been accidental.