TWO people were rushed to hospital after attempting to tackle a bedroom fire when a mobile air conditioning unit burst into flames.

Fire crews were alerted to the blaze at a property in Woodcutters Avenue, Leigh, at about 8pm on Wednesday.

Firefighters braved thick smoke and searing heat as they rescued the couple from their burning bedroom.

The couple were later treated at Southend Hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Neighbours living nearby said the road was full of emergency services.

Rita Mundy, 94, of Woodcutters Avenue, Leigh said she was concerned for the safety of the couple.

She added: “I spoke to the couple the following day and from what they said it sounded as if what happened was terrifying.

“The couple are now safe and well which is the main thing.

“I had to shut all the curtains to try and keep the flashing lights out.”

A grandmother-of-two, from Woodcutters Avenue, Leigh who wished to remain anonymous said: “I saw huge plumes of black smoking coming from the bedroom window.

“There were lots of people standing in the street and lots of emergency services around them and it looked quite serious.”

Paul Copeland, Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said: “The first floor was damaged and in particular the bedroom where the air conditioning unit was.

“The bedroom was full of smoke damage, the walls and plasterboard on the walls and ceiling were both badly damaged.

“The bedroom doors and windows were also badly damaged.

“Two people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation after attempting to put out the fire themselves.

“They were taken to hospital as a precaution as one of the patients was coughing a lot.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We sent an ambulance crew and an ambulance officer.

“Two patients were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and were taken to Southend Hospital.”