A WOMAN was rescued after a fire broke out outside her home in Palacefields, Runcorn in the early hours of this morning.

She was carried down a seven metre ladder from her first floor flat by firefighters, and taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

A store cupboard on the ground floor had been set on fire.

Three appliances dealt with the incident shortly after 1.30am.

A large industrial fan was used to disperse smoke.

Smoke alarms had activated to alert residents of the fire.

Anyone with information should call Cheshire Police on 101.