A FAMILY of five were rescued by firefighters following a fire in a block of flats in Boscombe late last night.

Two adults and three children were taken to hospital suffering with smoke inhalation after the blaze in the property at Haviland Road, which started just before midnight.

Up to 30 firefighters from Springbourne, Redhill Park, Westborne and Christchurch attended the incident after the service received several calls.

Station Manager Ant Bholah, who was one of the firefighters attending the incident, said: “Our firefighters did a great job in swiftly searching for and rescuing five people from the property. Firefighters extinguished a fire in a bedroom using eight sets of a breathing apparatus, one main line and two hose reels. The fire was contained to one flat within the block. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.”

The fire has occurred during the National Fire Chief Council Home Safety Week, which is running until October 7. Firefighters across the country are reminding the public to ensure they have working smoke alarms, which are tested regularly and are appropriate for their family needs.

*More information about Home Safety Week can be found on the NFCC website - https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Home-Safety-Week-2019