A RESIDENT was rescued from their burning flat by a vigilant neighbour this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the property on Mount Road, Parkstone, at 12.51pm after smoke could be smelled emanating from inside.

The elderly occupant could not see due to the smoke and the female neighbour, who wishes to remain anonymous, knocked on the door.

She urged her neighbour to come towards the sound of the knocking, which they did, and helped the occupant leave the flat before fire crews reached the scene.

On arrival four firefighters put on breathing apparatus before entering the property via a nine-metre ladder.

They then extinguished the flames using hose reel jets and one main line.

The blaze, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault with a television, resulted in the room being 20 per cent damaged by fire with the entire flat sustaining 80 per cent smoke damage.

The resident was taken to hospital for treatment.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “It was discovered that smoke detectors in the area had had their batteries removed.

“Fire alarms are vital to alerting people to possible fires and lives can be put at risk if they are not in full working order.”