A HOUSE was severely fire damaged when a television caught alight.

Firefighters responded to a report of a house fire at Neville Close, just off Davenport Street at about 10.30am today (Sunday).

Two people escaped from the house before the crew arrived.

Watch manager Ian Reed said: "An electric fire had been on and overheated a TV above it and set fire to the TV.

"The full house was fire damaged, two people prior to our arrival were sent to hospital with smoke inhalation.

"We rescued a cat and a dog from the property."

Fire crews were at the scene for more than two hours.