Investigation as two people seriously hurt in fire

Residents were evacuated from surrounding properties

A joint police and fire investigation has been launched after two people were seriously injured in a flat fire in Derbyshire.

Police and firefighters were called to Hallam Court, in Ilkeston, at about 17:45 BST on Saturday.

Derbyshire Police said a man in his 20s and a woman in her 50s were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A cordon remained in place on Sunday while police officers and firefighters investigated the cause.

Police and firefighters were called to Hallam Court, in Ilkeston, on Saturday evening

A police spokeswoman said: "Residents will see an increased police presence in the area while investigations continue."

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service added the fire was in a ground-floor flat.

A spokeswoman said: "On arrival at the property, fire crews were faced with a well-developed fire in the living room.

"Two occupants, one male and one female, had self-evacuated from the flat - both were taken to hospital with serious injuries."

A cordon remained in place on Sunday

The service added firefighters evacuated residents from surrounding properties, and they had since returned to their homes.

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