Seven escape flat fire

Fire crews said there could have been a tragedy

Five children and two adults have escaped from a burning flat in the Scottish Borders.

A child suffered cuts to the hand and an adult was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation following the blaze.

The two adults and five children fled from the flat in Meigle Street, Galashiels, at about 0230 BST on Wednesday.

Shortly after the alarm was raised, one of the adults went back into the house to look for one child who was said to still be inside the burning building.

However, the 14-year-old managed to climb through a window into the street and the man also managed to escape.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade said: "The man was taken to Borders General Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and the child with lacerations to their hands.

"It is thought the fire started in the living room. It could have been a lot worse."

No further details about the seven people have been released.