Flats evacuated in response to 'chemicals incident'

Firefighters were called to a tower block on Hillmeads Road, Kings Norton on Tuesday evening

Thirty people have been evacuated as firefighters respond to a "chemicals incident" at a high-rise tower block.

West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed it was called to Hillmeads Road, Kings Norton, at about 19:15 BST.

Residents living between floors seven and ten of Speedwell House were evacuated.

Police and ambulance are said to be on standby, but there are no reports of injuries, and the cause of the incident is currently unknown.

Some of the residents at Speedwell House were moved out as emergency services responded to the incident

Local resident Ezran Hamilton said he came home to find emergency services outside the tower block.

"It's quite extraordinary to be honest.. I've just come back literally five minutes ago and it's like this."

Mr Hamilton said he had been told by a neighbour the incident was gas-related.

"The main thing is, hopefully everyone is OK," he added.

Ezran Hamilton said he was shocked to find 999 crews at the tower block