A FAMILY escaped uninjured from a house fire, thanks to their smoke alarm

Firefighters were called to the semi-detached house in Penshaw Gardens, East Stanley, at 1.30am, on Thursday

The fire started in the kitchen when a chip pan was left unattended.

A couple and their child were alerted to the blaze by their smoke alarm and escaped uninjured.

They were taken to hospital for a check-up as a precautionary measure.

Divisional Officer Dave Turnbull, said: "This could have been a lot worse and we believe that if it was not for the smoke alarm they had fitted, they would not be here now."