THREE people were dramatically rescued after fire took hold at a Hampshire home.

The blaze broke out at a house in South Street, Hythe, this morning and three crews from Hythe, Hardley and Lyndhurst were sent to the scene.

Firefighters managed to enter the property and rescue three casualties.

The fire started at the back of the property and an investigation will determine the cause, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed.

The residents were treated for smoke inhalation and handed over to the care of South Central Ambulance Service.

Crews used two sets of breathing apparatus, one hose reel and two jets to extinguish the fire.

Group manager Dan Tasker, who was in charge of the fire, said the property was not fitted with smoke detectors.

He said: “There was no early warning of fire.“This could have been much worse and quite possible fatal for the three people we managed to rescue.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to have smoke detectors fitted in your property.”