People evacuated from Amesbury fire-damaged flats

People have been evacuated from a block of flats after a fire started in a nearby bin store and spread to the three-storey building.

Emergency services were called to Sandell Place, in Amesbury, Wiltshire, at 19:10 BST, on Friday.

More than eight fire crews tackled the blaze and the fire was extinguished by about 02:00 BST, said Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service.

Thirteen people from 16 flats were evacuated, but no-one was injured.

The nearby One Stop shop and Vet4Pets centre are also thought to have been affected by the fire.

Flat resident, Ben Appleby, realised there was a fire in the block after he heard screaming and banging on his door.

"A woman helped us out and by the time we got outside the stairwells were filling with smoke," he said.

"There was a really strong community spirit."

The fire started in a bin store at the rear of the building, but it is not known what specifically caused it yet, the fire service said.

It added four flats had been seriously damaged by fire and smoke.

Stu Gillion, fire service group manager, said: "Two crews remained on scene overnight to monitor for hotspots.

"The building was evacuated, though no rescues were carried out, and a fire investigation is under way.

"We are assessing which flats are safe for people to move back into," Mr Gillion added.

Wiltshire Council provided temporary accommodation for the evacuated people last night.

Richard Clewer, leader of the council, said: "This is a very difficult time for the residents living in the flats affected by the fire and we are offering support and advice to them

"We're working alongside our partners and Stonewater Housing to ensure residents are kept informed and plans are in place for any who need to be rehoused at this time."

The block of flats were managed by housing association Stonewater and some residents raised safety concerns in a meeting after the fire.

A spokesperson for Stonewater said: "Thankfully, everyone is safe and no-one was hurt.

"Our colleagues have been on the ground today supporting customers to ensure they have alternative accommodation while we assess the extent of the damage," they added.

"Colleagues speaking to customers today have reassured them that the right fire safety measures are in place and certifications are up to date for this building."

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