FIREFIGHTERS rescued two drunk students from a flat after unattended cooking sparked a blaze.

Essex Fire Service has issued kitchen safety advice following the fire, in Capstan Place, Colchester.

Two crews were called in the early hours of Monday morning after a neighbour heard a smoke alarm going off.

The firefighters forced entry to the flat through a window and discovered two people were still inside.

Richard Lark, station officer at Colchester, said: “Although the smoke alarm was going off the two females in the flat were asleep in their bedrooms and intoxicated from alcohol.

"My crew woke them up, led them safely outside and gave them first aid before leaving them in the care of the ambulance service."

The fire had started after the students left cooking on the hob and fell asleep in their rooms.

Mr Lark added: “Over half of house fires in Essex start in the kitchen.

"Students are at particular risk of this as over half of the fire deaths in 18-24 year-olds are caused by misusing cooking equipment and carelessly handling hot substances.

“As students return for a new academic year we’re urging them to take care and not put themselves at risk, or worse, end a night out in tragedy.

“The easiest way to stay safe in the kitchen is never to leave cooking unattended, and if you’ve been drinking then just don’t cook – grab a takeaway or prepare something in advance.”