A 54-year-old man had to climb through his bedroom window using a sheet as a rope to aid his escape after a fire broke out at a house in Stevenage in the early hours of this morning.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council which runs Herts Fire and Rescue Service, said two fire engines were called to Coventry Close at 4.15am this morning.

Firefighters went into the ground floor of the house wearing breathing apparatus to fight the fire which was in the hallway.

Hose reels were used to fight the blaze.

The first floor of the building was smoke logged and had to be ventilated using fans.

Ambulance crews treated the casualty for a head injury and he was taken to Stevenage’s Lister Hospital.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Ian Sheridan, said: “If you were in the area at the time and noticed any suspicious activity, or if you have any information which may help our inquiry we would like to hear from you as soon as possible.

“Please contact me on 101 or alternatively you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”