FIREFIGHTERS rescued residents that were trapped in a burning block of flats in Penzance during the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, May 7).

Fire crews from Penzance, St Just and St Ives were called just before 1am to attend the scene at Prospect Place where the first floor of the building was engulfed in flames.

Wales and West also visited the flats due to concerns over the gas supply to the flats. It is not yet known what caused the blaze.

A number of residents were temporarily evacuated by the emergency services whilst the area was made safe.

One person was injured and visited the local hospital with minor injuries.

The majority were later allowed back into their properties, with those unable to return being relocated by housing association Live West.

A Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Two appliances from Penzance initially responded to this incident, along with a whole-time officer.

“On arrival crews confirmed the first floor of residential flats was well alight, suspected persons reported and made pumps four. Additional resources from St Just and St Ives were mobilised alone with a second whole-time officer.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus sets used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. Police and Ambulance in attendance. Wales and West were requested to isolate gas supply to the building and the incident was left in the hand of Police and Live West.