TWO police officers needed hospital treatment after dragging a man from a burning flat.Emergency services were contacted by a resident of Ellis Road, Clacton, who feared that one of her neighbours could be in danger, at around 10.

TWO police officers needed hospital treatment after dragging a man from a burning flat.

Emergency services were contacted by a resident of Ellis Road, Clacton, who feared that one of her neighbours could be in danger, at around 10.30am on Boxing Day.

When Essex police constables Stacey Howe and Adam Barry arrived they found a fire at the flat and fought their way in to find the 52-year-old occupant slumped on the floor of the kitchen.

They managed to drag him out and all three were taken to Colchester hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation and later discharged.

Both officers have now returned to normal duties.