A man is in hospital following a house fire in Carlisle.

Fire crews had to break into the ground floor flat to rescue him.

The man, believed to be in his 20s, suffered serious smoke inhalation and was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary by ambulance.

It happened in the early hours of this morning at Raven Nook, off Greystone Road.

It is believed the property's smoke alarm alerted neighbours, who then called for help.

Three fire crews, from Carlisle East, Carlisle West and Longtown, rushed to the scene at about 2am.

They had to act quickly, smashing a window to get in.

They then pulled the man to safety and handed him over to paramedics.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The property was badly smoke damaged.