Twelve are rescued from flat fire

Twelve people have been rescued from a block of flats in Leicester after a fire broke out on the ground floor.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue crews were called to a flat on Bridlespur Way late on Thursday night to find the flat on the ground floor well alight.

Smoke from the fire rose up the stairwell, blocking the exit for other residents who then had to be led down ladders to safety.

It is believed the fire was started deliberately in a bedroom.

About 25 firefighters attended the blaze with crews from all over the city.

Investigations are continuing but severe fire damage was found in the bedroom.

It is not thought anyone was seriously injured.