Man and woman still in hospital after flat fire

A joint investigation between the fire service and police was launched into the cause of the blaze

Two people who were seriously injured in a fire remain in hospital nine days later, police say.

The pair, a man in his 20s and a woman in her 50s, were injured in the blaze at a ground-floor flat in Hallam Court, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on 29 June.

Both had "self-evacuated" from the property before the arrival of emergency services.

Derbyshire Police said their current condition was "serious but stable".

A cordon was put in place while emergency services investigated

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were "faced with a well-developed fire in the living room".

Residents from surrounding properties were evacuated and a cordon was put in place.

The fire service said its thoughts continued to be "with the two casualties and their family and friends".

It added firefighters had since provided safety advice and assurance to residents.

An investigation has concluded that the most likely cause was "a naked flame coming into contact with combustible materials".

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