Firefighters are currently tackling a cottage blaze north of Carlisle.

Crews from the city were called to the scene, at Hethersgill, shortly before 7am.

The man inside, believed to be in his seventies, was taken by ambulance to Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary after suffering from smoke inhalation.

There were a number of pets inside, and a spokesman said that one dog and one cat are still currently unaccounted.

Click on this link to view 360 degree photo of the scene.

Cumbria Fire Rescue Service attend a serious fire near Hethersgill, Carlisle - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said that when they arrived, a semi-detached single-story property - thought to be a cottage - was well alight.

She said: "They are putting a fire break between unaffected properties and the affected properties.

"They are stripping roof tiles and two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using two hose reel jets.

"A roof ladder is also being used."

She added: "At 7.36am they also requested that police attend to close the road."

Four appliances initially attended - one each from Brampton, Longtown, Carlisle east and Carlisle west stations - and two remain on scene damping down.