Woman seriously burned in retirement complex fire

A woman has been left seriously injured after a fire at a retirement complex in Essex.

Two road ambulances and the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance helicopter were sent to Prail Court on Vesta Close, Coggeshall, just before 20:00 BST on Thursday.

The woman was taken by road to Broomfield Hospital to be treated for serious burns.

A spokesperson for Housing 21, which runs Prail Court, told the BBC that "the safety and wellbeing of our residents is our priority".

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said that crews from Coggeshall, Tiptree and Colchester attended, but the fire was out when they arrived.

Prail Court is described on Housing 21's website as "a quiet and friendly development" which contains 26 apartments.

The spokesperson said a team was on-site to support residents.

"As this is an active investigation, we cannot comment any further at this time," they added.

The East of England Ambulance Service said a hazardous area response team was also sent to the scene.

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