A mother who was changing her baby's nappy when she realised her house was on fire was left "screaming and crying" after leading her four children to safety.

The 27-year-old had just returned home from a trip out when she smelled smoke and tried in vain to put the fire out before "it got worse", ahead of rushing to get her children out and calling 999.

The West Suffolk Council property, where she lived with her partner and children, aged between one and six, was destroyed along with all their possessions.

"We didn't even have time to put any shoes on, we literally just left and ran out - I was screaming and crying and we were all just in hysterics," said Hudson.

"The house is completely unliveable. We can't go back in and everything that was in there has been ruined - everything is gone.

"I wouldn't wish it on anybody, it's awful."

Firefighters from Bury St Edmunds, Long Melford and Newmarket were called to the Connaught Road property at about 11:45 BST on 6 August.

Hudson, who had lived in the house for two-and-a-half years, said she was staying with her family in a hotel until the council could find them somewhere more permanent.

She said the council "don't know if it will be in Haverhill or if we will have to live elsewhere, but they are trying their best to keep us here".

"It's a roof over our heads but we can't stay in a hotel for the rest of our lives - it's not great going from a three-bedroom house to having all your belongings in one room."

An online fundraiser, which has so far reached £2,000, has been set up to help the family replace their lost possessions.

"We only managed to come out with what was on our backs, but we're really appreciative of everyone that's donated so far," said Hudson.

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