External cladding caught fire in Plymouth blaze

Crews were called to a blaze on Constantine Street in the city centre at about 18:10 BST on Thursday

The "external cladding and insulation" of a block of flats in Plymouth caught fire in an incident on Thursday.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) said were called to a blaze on Constantine Street in the city centre at about 18:10 BST.

It said a fire was reported on the "fifth floor/roof" of the central block of three buildings.

DSFRS said eight appliances were sent to the five-storey building, with the blaze extinguished a short time later.

'Damaged by fire'

Six pumping appliances, one aerial ladder platform and one command support unit were mobilised to the incident with a number of specialist officers.

DSFRS said: "Upon arrival the crews confirmed that smoke and flames were issuing from the external cladding and insulation at the top floor of the building.

"Around six metres squared of insulation was damaged by fire.

"Crews used water jets and tools to cut away the cladding to reach hotspots."

It said no-one was injured and residents were allowed back into the building at about 19:55 BST.

The cause was believed to be accidental.