FIREFIGHTERS forced their way into a house in Cheshire to rescue a woman from a fire.

Three crews from Frodsham, Runcorn and Widnes, responded to reports of a smoke alarm sounding at a property at about 7.20am on Friday.

A team of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus got a woman out of the house after forcing entry to the property in Graylag Close, Beechwood, Runcorn.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "They administered first aid to the casualty before handing her over to the care of paramedics. She was subsequently taken to hospital in an ambulance.

"An air ambulance attended but ended up not being required."

While one team of firefighters were dealing with the casualty, a cordon was set up and the gas and electricity supplies to the house were isolated as four other firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought fire with two hose reel jets.

Once the fire was under control a large fan was used to clear smoke from the address.

Firefighters left the scene once they were satisfied that the fire was fully out and the address and neighbouring properties were safe.

They had checked that fire had not spread to neighbouring properties.

Firefighters were in attendance for nearly three hours.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been opened.