REPORTS of emergency services in Blackbird Leys last night were the result of a kitchen fire.

An elderly woman had to be rescued from her Pegasus Road flat after leaving cooking unattended.

Fire crews attended at 8.15pm after being called by neighbours who heard her smoke alarm. 

Firefighters had to force entry to the flat where they found the semi-conscious elderly woman on the sofa.

She was brought out of the flat and treated for smoke inhalation by South Central Ambulance Service.

Firefighters used a large fan to clear the remaining smoke from the flat. 

Incident Commander, Crew Manager Jason Clifford from Slade Fire Station said: “It was a very fortunate that the lady had working smoke alarms, this early detection of the fire alerted neighbours to call the fire service quickly and prevent what could have been a more serious incident.

"I would urge the public to be aware of the dangers of leaving cooking unattended and the importance of having working smoke alarms in your property which clearly saved this lady’s life.”