FEARS that people were trapped by flames after a big fire flared up sparked a major emergency response.

Multiple calls were made to the fire service reporting a fire in a garden behind premises in the centre of Wareham late last night.

More than 20 firefighters attended the scene in South Street.

One adult managed to escape and was treated by the ambulance service.

A second adult and a child managed to get to a place of safety.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 11.25pm we took the first of seven calls reporting a fire at the rear of a premises in South Street, Wareham. A fire engine was immediately mobilised from Wareham fire station, soon increased by an additional fire engine, also from Wareham, when the size of the fire was realised to be large.

"Not long after, the control room were informed that people may be trapped by the flames, which triggered a third crew to be dispatched, this time from Poole. Not long after this, both Wareham crews arrived and confirmed that people appeared to be trapped by the flames and requested help from a fourth fire engine, which was also sent from Poole.

"Together they extinguished the fire which involved a gazebo and a large quantity of rubbish, measuring two by five metres.

"One adult managed to (get out unaided) and was treated by the ambulance service, whilst another adult and a child were found to be in a place of safety and not affected by the fire.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation."