Three people rescued from flat fire

We have rescued three people from a flat fire in Stoke-on-Trent.

We were called by Staffordshire Police at around 12.45pm today (Tuesday 21 January) to a business premises on Waterloo Road in Burslem after smoke was seen in the area.

A total of seven crews were in attendance at the scene.

An aerial ladder platform was used to help three people escape the fire from a first floor window after the stairs had been blocked due to smoke.

They each received oxygen treatment at the scene and they, along with two other people, were taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

Firefighters using breathing apparatus continue to actively fight the fire which involves a flat roof area.

Officers from Staffordshire Police remain at the scene to assist in maintaining a cordon.

Part of Burslem town centre and Waterloo Road continue to be affected by smoke.

People are being urged to avoid the area and close their windows and doors.