AN elderly couple had to be rescued from their Andover home after a blaze broke out in the property.

Around 15 firefighters from Andover and Whitchurch rushed to the thatched cottage in Ridges View, Little London, in the early hours of last Tuesday. (30 September)

Two breathing apparatus, one high pressure hose reel, one jet and one positive pressure ventilation fan were used to tackle the electrical fire, which started just before 3am after a plug socket became overloaded.

The male occupant of the property was rushed to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation, but the couple escaped serious injuries in the blaze, which was extinguished by 4.06am.

The incident comes as Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service step up their campaign to highlight safety measures that can be taken to help vulnerable people across the county.

During the three month campaign, fire chiefs will be asking the public to help raise awareness of basic life-saving fire safety measures, such as a working smoke alarm, with older people.

Assistant chief officer Neil Odin said: “Our research shows that people aged 65 and over are a significantly more vulnerable group in society when it comes to dwelling fire fatalities.“We need everybody in Hampshire on board to help make this an even safer county for elderly people.

“We also offer free home safety visits to vulnerable groups to help give them peace of mind and are encouraging people to contact us to find out about these.”

For more information, visit hantsfire.gov.uk/athome or call 023 8062 6809.