Beloved family pets rescued from flat blaze

Fire crews from Fleet and Rushmoor raced to the scene to tackle the fire

Two cats and a dog have been saved by firefighters after a blaze broke out in a block of flats in Hampshire.

Crews were called to the apartments in Crookham Road, Fleet, at 11:30 BST on Wednesday, to find smoke "billowing" from the building.

A man and a woman who lived in the flats were taken to hospital and the fire was put out by 14:00.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said 10 residents had to be rehomed due to the damage.

The fire was brought under control "swiftly", according to HIWFRS

Firefighters battled the flames with hose reel jets and used ventilation fans to clear the smoke.

A 105ft (32m) ladder was set up to access the adjacent flats and make sure everyone was safe.

Oxygen was given to the pets at the scene by a HIWFRS animal rescue advisor, before they were taken to a vet by their owners.

The cause of the fire was being investigated, HIWFRS added.