One person was rescued and 20 people evacuated after a large fire at flats and shops in Bournemouth.

Nine fire crews were sent to the blaze in Charminster Road, between Malvern Road and Brockenhurst Road, which started just after 3.03am.

The roofs of two properties were destroyed, with three flats affected in total above West Way fish and chips, Solo hairdressers and Architectural Aluminium.

Police were at the scene and a rest centre for those evacuated set-up at Bournemouth Life Centre on Wimborne Road.

At 5pm, police were in the process of taking down the cordon alongside officers from the local authority.

Maintenance workers had sealed off the buildings affected by fire with metal gates to ensure no debris fell into the road, a policeman said at the scene.

Charminster Road has been closed at the junctions of Claremont Road and Malvern Road for the majority of the day. Officers reopened the road just before 5pm in time for rush hour commuters.

It is not yet clear when the site will be safe for residents to reenter.

The fire is believed to have started in a ground-floor flat behind the fish and chip shop.

One person was rescued, while another was able to walk to safety, they added.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said that a man and woman were treated at the scene, which was thought to be as a precautionary measure.

At the height of the blaze, crews used eight breathing apparatus, seven hose reel jets and two main lines.

Crews from Redhill, Springbourne, Christchurch, Westbourne, Poole, Ferndown and Hamworthy were sent.

The British Red Cross team also assisted at the scene.

Watch manager Phil Burridge from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: "On arrival, they were faced with a severe fire. 

"There was one person who was led to safety from a first floor window. A dog also jumped from a first floor window to safety after being encouraged by its owner.

"Fire crews were wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the fire, which was found to be extensive, covering three different properties.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation at the moment. We cannot go in there due to the middle wall of the flats, which could come down." 

One woman, who asked not to be named, runs Architectural Aluminium with her husband, which is part of the parade of shops.

She said: "We heard glass smashing at about 3am. I thought somebody was trying to break into our flat.

"Lots of friends came round trying to put the fire out but it was way out of control. 

"Luckily everyone was out safely. 

"I heard some people above our shop shout 'Get out. There's a fire in the building.'

"I could see the fire in the kitchen above Solo Hair Design. The fire crews were here within minutes. 

"The flames were so high. It's unbelievable." 

She said that the couple who live above Solo Hair Design are in their fifties and she said that they have two dogs. 

A spokesperson for Bournemouth Council said: "Following a fire last night above a chip shop in Charminster Road, approximately 20 people were evacuated from the site by emergency services.

"Whilst Building Control officers are at the site of the fire assessing the damage, Bournemouth Council, together with helpers from various local charities, are at the Life Centre in Winton assisting those that have been displaced with food, clothing and temporary accommodation.

"Although most of the evacuees have made their own alternative arrangements a small number have been offered temporary assistance."

Gary Josey, Service Director for Housing & Communities added: “Bournemouth Council’s primary concern of course is for the safety and wellbeing of both residents and members of the public.

"Our Housing and Building Control teams were mobilised and onsite at both the fire and the Life Centre early this morning.

"Our staff and partners have reacted quickly and are now providing the necessary assistance to those that need it."