Arson suspected at Cambridgeshire flats

A fire which broke out at a block of flats in Eynesbury is thought to have been started deliberately.

Firefighters rescued five people from the first and second floor balconies of the building. The residents were unable to exit the building due to thick smoke in the communal stairwells.

Nine residents received treatment for smoke inhalation at the scene and seven people were taken to hospital but there were no serious injuries reported.

Crews from St Neots, Gamlingay, Papworth and Cambridge attended the incident.

Callum Faint from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Although this was a small fire, because it was located in the stairwell it put lives at risk. Firefighters did a fantastic job on arrival, immediately setting to work rescuing residents quickly but safely, and extinguishing the fire. Modern buildings are designed to stop the spread of fire for around an hour, so if you are unable to escape from your flat the best thing to do is place towels under the door to stop smoke entering your flat, and going to a window or balcony to alert firefighters to your presence and wait for us to rescue you.”

A full investigation into the cause of the blaze is now being carried out.