A NEIGHBOUR raised the alarm after a hearing a woman's cries for help as smoke filled her home.

Three fire crews and paramedics were called to the incident in Monkwick Avenue, Colchester, on Sunday and the woman, believed to be 60-years-old, was treated for smoke inhalation. 

They arrived at 2.45pm and the fire, which was in the lounge, was out within 20 minutes and the firemen remained at the scene to ventilate the building. 

It is not yet clear what caused the fire.