Emergency services were called to flats at Newlands Court in Wallasey last night following a kitchen fire that resulted in three elderly women suffering severe smoke inhalation.

Fire crews from Wallasey and Birkenhead gave oxygen treatment to the women, aged 63, 76 and 85, while waiting for paramedics.

The 76-year-old had led her 63-year-old neighbour to safety.

All three were assessed at the scene by paramedics and found to be suffering severe smoke inhalation.

They were taken to Arrowe Park Hospital for further treatment.

Firefighters ventilated the property.

The alarm had been sounded at around 9.30pm and fire officers remained at the scene for an hour and 40 minutes.