THREE people have been treated for smoke inhalation after scores of residents were evacuated from a block of flats.

Around 60 firefighters rushed to the scene at Wellington Court in Poole Road, Bournemouth, following a 999 call at 7.12am on Thursday, December 16.

Crews have been tackling a roof fire in the residential block of flats and will remain on the scene throughout the day.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said the blaze had been contained but Poole Road is currently closed and will remain so for some hours.

A fire investigation will be carried out later today but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances. Officers believe it is believed to have started accidentally.

A total of 62 residents have been evacuated from the affected part of the building, with 21 rescued by firefighters. Three people suffered smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by South Western Ambulance Service.

The nearby Premier Inn hotel provided shelter for those displaced, and officers from BCP Council also attended to support those needing help.

Fire crews from Westbourne, Springbourne, Redhill Park, two from Christchurch, three from Poole and Ferndown, together with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service crews from Ringwood, Wimborne, New Milton and Burley.

Also on scene was the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, support appliances from Hamworthy and Dorchester, and a water carrier from Poole.

DWFRS officers are liaising with colleagues from partner agencies including Dorset Police and BCP Council to ensure that the incident is brought to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.