THREE people had to be rescued from a house in Chancery Lane, Parr, after being trapped upstairs by a fire in the living room.

The fire was reported at 12.40am on Wednesday, August 2 after neighbours heard shouts for help.

When firefighters arrived, they found a 35-year-old unconscious man, and a married couple, both aged 50, trapped upstairs. The younger man was taken down a ladder while the couple were brought down the stairs after the fire had been put out.

All three were then taken to Whiston Hospital where they were treated for severe smoke inhalation. Fire crews investigating the blaze believe it may have been caused by a discarded cigarette.