FIREFIGHTERS from South Gloucestershire have rescued an elderly man from a house fire in Southmead.

Crews from Patchway and Southmead were alerted yesterday just after 4am by neighbours of a properly on Westerleigh Road after hearing a smoke alarm and could smell smoke.

Once on the scene firefighters in breathing apparatus immediately forceds entry through the front door of the house and began to search for anyone who might still be inside.

During the search, a semi-conscious man in his 80’s was found and quickly moved to safety, before being given emergency medical care, being given oxygen and treatment to burns on his legs.

The man was then taken to hospital by ambulance.

Firefighters worked to quickly extinguish the fire and used a ventilation fan to clear smoke from the property.

It is believed that the fire started accidentally.