Town centre flat fire forces residents from homes

People living near a flat fire above a town centre shop were forced to leave their homes overnight.

At its height, 40 firefighters from over 10 stations were called to Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth on Sunday shortly after 22:20 GMT.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said the fire in a flat and roof space above a shop led to 12 residents from a neighbouring building having to leave for the night.

The the fire was out shortly before 03:00 with crews remaining at the scene to damp down. No injuries have been reported and an investigation into the cause will begin later.

Smoke was visible across large parts of the town centre on Sunday night

Residents living nearby were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke overnight.

Roads in the area remain closed with firefighters expected to remain at the scene on Monday.