Five rescued from blaze at flats

Crews from four fire stations dealt with the blaze

Five people, including a baby, were rescued from a blaze at a block of flats in Newport.

Another 16 people escaped after thick smoke and fire took hold of the ground floor of the three-storey building.

Chief officers said the lives of those trapped were saved by firefighters, including a baby carried down a ladder to safety at 23.25 GMT on Tuesday.

South Wales Fire Service and police are invesigating the cause of the fire in Frederick Road in the city's Pill area.

Assistant chief fire officer Kevin Barry said: "The actions of our fire crews at this incident have no doubt saved the lives of several people who were trapped inside this building.

"Thankfully there were no apparent serious injuries to the residents. However, several were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene."

The flats are now being examined by police and fire investigation teams.

The rescue operation involved firefighters from Maindee, Duffryn, Malpas and Cwmbran.

The building has a number of apartments and smoke had spread upwards which made conditions "very difficult and dangerous" for residents, said the fire service.

Trapped

Firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to reach four people trapped.

The fire service said the blaze should remind everyone of the importance of having an escape plan from their home.

They also urged people to check smoke detectors were working.