Two children hospitalised after house fire in Bradninch

Two children have been hospitalised as a precautionary measure following a house fire in Bradninch, near Exeter.

The fire is thought to have begun in the kitchen shortly before 3am and has completely destroyed the property.

The Father and his four children safely escaped the property including the two children admitted to hospital on a precautionary basis.

The Family's pets, a dog and a cat also escaped the property unharmed.

The fire took four appliances from Cullompton, Middlemoor and Danes Castle fire stations over four hours to extinguish.

Nigel Deasy, the incident commander at the scene, said the family's lives were saved by smoke detectors and an escape plan.

"The family was able to survive this fire because of their fantastic fire escape plan, which the children were able to follow," he told BBC News.

"I'd like to send our condolences to the family, but also I must congratulate them for their organisation, which let them escape this fire."

Fire Investigation by Devon and Somerst Fire Authority is underway but has yet to formally establish a cause for the blaze.

The Fire services have praised the swift action of the family as well as their preparedness with smoke alarms

For advice on how to keep your home and family safe visit see here