SEVEN people were rescued after a fire broke out at a flat in a four-storey block in the Drake area of Plymouth, shortly before midnight on Sunday.

Eight fire engines, including from Buckfastleigh, were sent to the scene on September 6 after flames were seen coming from the window of a first-floor flat on Hospital Road.

Firefighters rescued seven residents from separate flats, with two brought out using a ladder and the others rescued by crews wearing breathing apparatus.

The building was evacuated, including around 30 elderly residents, and everyone was accounted for.

The flat where the fire started was destroyed, while communal areas suffered fire and significant smoke damage.

Fire crews used water jets and 16 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

Police closed the road while the incident was dealt with.

A fire investigation is ongoing.