Two boys taken to hospital after fire - one in a life threatening condition - in Beambridge, Pitsea

One boy was taken to Royal London Hospital by air ambulance in a serious but stable condition, according to the ambulance service.

Another was rushed to Basildon Hospital in a life threatening condition.

It is believed that children were trapped in a bungalow following a fire in Beambridge.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: "Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene of a house fire in Beambridge, Basildon.

"Officers were contacted at around 3.15pm this afternoon, Monday, May 1.

"Two children were rescued from the single-storey property.

"A 13-year-old boy was flown by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital while a ten-year-old boy was taken to Basildon Hospital by ambulance.

"Both boys are described as being in life-threatening conditions.

"The fire was extinguished by 4.30pm.

"The cause of the fire is not yet known and enquiries at the scene are continuing.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101."

There are reports that a child has been flown to hospital following the incident.

The road is still blocked off and there are a number of fire engines, ambulances and police cars at the scene.

The police helicopter is also at the scene.

One person wrote online: "My partner was up there with some other bloke trying to get in a house which was on fire with kids inside but couldn't get inside.

"They smashed the windows and could hear a kid inside."

Another added: "Me and my neighbour live in the flats opposite. She rung the fire services.

"She went over to the house. There are currently three fire engines in our car park and two ambulances four police cars."

A neighbour said: "Two kids were in house and were being resuscitated outside on the floor."

Others reported seeing a child being given treatment.

There are also reports of armed police in nearby Crest Avenue, but it is not clear if this is linked.