Family of five rescued from fire

A family of five have been rescued by firefighters from their second floor flat in West Sussex after a blaze broke out in the stairwell of the building.

Two young children, two women and a man were led to safety down a ladder after they became trapped in the block at Floyds Corner, in Littlehampton.

They had told fire crews their way was blocked by the fire and thick black smoke in the staircase of the flats.

Four other residents were evacuated from the flats during the fire.

An investigation into the cause of the fire, which broke out just before midnight on Monday, is under way, but West Sussex Fire and Rescue said arson had not been ruled out.

Survival guidance

The family of five were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene before being taken to hospital.

They had been given fire survival guidance over the telephone by fire control operators, who urged them to stay calm and keep their door closed, reassuring them as they waited for the fire crews to arrive.

Four fire engines from Littlehampton and East Preston were sent to the scene at 2350 GMT, where they found two people leaning out of a second floor window at the rear of the property.

A ladder was put up against the window, while at the same time firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the hallway to locate the fire.