Two police officers broke into a burning house in Ipswich to dramatically rescue an unconscious woman.

Both officers were treated for smoke inhalation following the incident, which unfolded at around 9pm.

The condition of the rescued woman, believed to be in her 30s, was not known.

The fire service alerted police to the fire in La Salle Close, off Maidenhall Approach.

With reports of someone trapped in the building a nearby police unit attended the scene where officers found the house “well alight”, according to a force spokesman.

The officers then proceeded to break into the property where they found the unconscious woman and were able to take her to safety outside the house.

A police spokeswoman said: “Ambulance personnel treated her at the scene before she was taken to Ipswich hospital.” She added: “Two officers who went into the property are receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.”

Three fire crews from Princes Street station and another from Ipswich East were sent to the scene.

They brought the incident under control just before 9.45pm.

Police say an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the blaze and anyone with information is asked to call Suffolk Constabulary on 101, quoting CAD number 240 of yesterday, Friday 25 December.