TWO homes were evacauted after a fire ripped through a property in Colchester.

Defoe Crescent was closed off in both directions as dozens of firefighters, working in strong winds, attempted to stop the blaze spreading to other houses.

Crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe, Manningtree and Nayland fought the flames for two-and-a-half hours while 70-year-old resident Arlene Miller was rushed to Colchester General Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

She is recovering well but her semi-detached home has been destroyed.

Mrs Miller was at home alone when the fire began at about 12.50am this morning.

It is not known what caused it.

She managed to get out and was cared for by neighbours who called the fire brigade.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “On arrival crews reported the house was 100 percent well alight.”

By 2am they started to win the battle against the giant flames.

The Red Cross arrived to help and an ambulance was called for Mrs Miller.

Son Michael said: “The emergency services and the Red Cross were brilliant.

“The firefighters, police and two ladies from the Red Cross looked after her and even came to the hospital to check she was ok.

“My mum was upstairs. She was often up late reading.

“We don’t know what happened but the neighbours took her in and everyone helped.

“The main thing is everyone is ok.

“There was a lifetime of memories in there.”