A WOMAN was seriously burnt in a house fire in Widnes this morning.

Firefighters were called to a ground floor flat on Margaret Court shortly after 5am.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The woman was out of the flat when firefighters arrived. She had burns to her upper body.

“Firefighters administered first aid until paramedics arrived.”

The woman was taken to Whiston Hospital.

Dad-of-six Michael Holme ran over to help.

The 25-year-old, of Lugsdale Road, said: “My partner woke me up saying there was a fire over the road.

“I jumped out of bed and was there in two seconds.

“A girl was lying outside burnt from head to toe covered in thick black soot.

“There was smoke and flames coming from the window. I shielded her from the smoke and kept talking to her.

“She was still conscious. I was trying to comfort her. She was in a bad way.

“Just hope she gets well soon.”

A spokesman for North Cheshire Ambulance NHS Trust said: “We took a woman who was badly burnt suffering major trauma to Whiston Hospital.”

A second casualty was also taken to hospital.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put out the fire with a hose reel jet.

Crews from Widnes, Penketh and Warrington tackled the blaze.

Firefighters are still at the scene.