ONE man was taken to hospital after a fire at a block of flats.

Police were called by the fire brigade to a block of flats known as Abdeil House on Slake Terrace in Hartlepool at 7.30pm.

"One man has been taken to hospital with minor injuries but no other injuries are believed to have been caused," a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said.

"The fire is not thought to be suspicious.

"Please avoid the pedestrian area surrounding the building at this time. We would like to thank the community nearby for their co-operation while emergency services deal with the situation."

Several people were evacuated from the nearby Conservatory. 

"A cordon was put in place and we were advised we would not be able to return back to the restaurant this evening," they told Police Hour.

It is reported four ambulances and seven fire engines were called to the scene.