TWO people were rescued by firefighters from a burning house in East Ham last night.

A 72-year-old woman and 46-year-old man were recovered from the first floor of the three-bedroomed house in St Olaves Road at 11.30pm.

Twenty firefighters using four water pump engines from East Ham, Barking and Plaistow stations attended the scene.

East Ham White Watch firefighters Jim O’Neill, Lee St Romaine, Jim Denby and Mark Rumbell used breathing apparatus and a ladder to carry out the dramatic rescue of the two residents.

They were found overcome by fumes in the first floor bedroom of the home and taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.

The fire was brought under control by midnight.

The building suffered 50 per cent damage to the ground and first floor.

It is believed that the blaze began in the ground floor kitchen of the home.

Fire crews stayed at the scene damping down the flames until 2.30am.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.