A WOMAN has been taken to hospital and residents at Ryfields retirement village have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a ground floor flat.

Two other casualties also received first aid and oxygen therapy from firefighters at the scene but did not need to go to A&E.

Four fire engines from Warrington, Penketh and Stockton Heath were called to the scene at around 9.10pm last night.

They rescued a woman from an apartment and gave her emergency trauma treatment while paramedics were called.

She was taken to Warrington Hospital after breathing in smoke.

Around 45 residents from the retirement village on Arena Gardens were evacuated and were helped by the village's management team but have now returned to their homes.

Firefighters have been working through the night to tackle the blaze, which started in a living room, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.

Sarah Houghton-Grimshaw, older people’s service manager for Your Housing Group which owns Ryfields Retirement Village, said: “Our thoughts are with the resident and her family at this difficult time.

“We are working closely with the emergency services while they investigate the cause of the fire and we would like to thank Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for their work last night.

“Your Housing Group and Warrington Community Living staff, our care providers, were on site throughout the night to provide support for our residents.

"The fire was contained to one apartment but residents from the block were assisted by staff to leave their apartments and stay in our residents' lounge temporarily as a safety precaution.

"They have all since returned to their homes.

“Our staff are on site again today to support residents and their families.”