Nine people were rescued after a fire in a block of flats on Oak Square, in Redburgh, Gateshead
NINE people have been rescued after a fire at a block of flats in Gateshead in the early hours of Friday morning.
Firefighters were called to Oak Square, in Redburgh, and rescued six adults and three children from the building.
Four people have been taken to hospital where they are being treated for smoke inhalation.
A spokesperson for Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "All residents are thankfully accounted for. Great work by our firefighters and our Control Team who supported residents with survival guidance until our crews arrived."
More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze at the block of flats but that has now been scaled down with just one fire engine and officer in attendance now.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here