A WOMAN was taken to hospital after a cigarette or matches sparked a fire in a bedroom.

Firefighters spent the best part of two hours tackling the blaze in Layton Drive in Kearsley in the early hours of yesterday morning. 

A woman in her early 60s, and her son in his 30s, were in the house but managed to get out of the property before firefighters arrived.

Neighbours reported being awoken by shouting coming from the house before three fire engines arrived on the scene at 4.45am.

Firefighters worked at the property until 7am.

The woman had to be taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

She has since been discharged and is believed to be staying with a family member.

A family spokesperson said damage to the upstairs of the house was extensive, and that floorboards had been burnt and windows cracked. She said they had been told by Bolton at Home that it was ‘unliveable’ and it was likely that it would have to be boarded up.