Man dies after house fire rescue in Chelmsford

A man has died following a fire in a house where a smoke alarm had not been fitted with batteries.

He was one of two men who were rescued by crews from Galleywood Road, Chelmsford, in the early hours.

Both were taken to hospital, where one, in his 40s, died. A 33-year-old man is being treated for breathing in smoke.

The fire service said a smoke alarm did not contain batteries. The fire is not thought to be suspicious, but the cause is being investigated.

Police and the fire service were called at 0340 BST. The fire was extinguished within half an hour.

"Incidents like this show how important it is to have a working smoke alarm in the home," a fire service spokesman said.

"They provide vital early warning of a fire giving everyone time to get out to safety and away from the toxic smoke which quickly fills the home in a fire."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police.