A MAN and a woman have been taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation following a house fire.

The couple believed to be both in their late 50s were treated following a blaze thought hto have been started by a cigarette in Lansdowne Road, Worcester, at about 11.50pm, yesterday.

The fire started in the first floor bathroom of the three-storey home and was discovered by another occupant, after the woman had gone to bed.

Alec Mackie, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said: “It would appear it was caused by a still lit cigarette end which had been put out in a bin or other receptacle.

“The lady had gone to bed and when the other occupant arrived home and walked through the front door they heard the smoke alarms going off.”

Crews from Worcester attended but everybody was out of the house by the time firefighters arrived.

A small fire in the bathroom was put out and the house ventilated.

Mr Mackie added: “We would advise that if you smoke, put your cigarette out - right out.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman, said: “Crews treated two people before they were taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital as a precaution for further assessment and treatment.”