Blackpool fire: Woman dies and four others hurt in blaze

Neighbouring properties were evacuated and a number of roads were closed

A woman has died and four other people have been hurt after a house fire in Blackpool, police have said.

The fire on the top floor of a property on Hill Street, South Shore, broke out shortly before 01:00 BST.

A woman, in her 40s, was treated at the scene but pronounced dead in hospital.

A man, in his 50s, has been seriously injured. Three others, aged 13, 16 and 26, were also taken for treatment but are not thought to have life-threatening injuries.

A 15-year-old who escaped the property was uninjured, Lancashire Police said.

The man was taken for treatment in Manchester and remains in a serious but stable condition in Wythenshawe Hospital, the force added.

Some neighbouring properties were evacuated and a number of roads were closed as firefighters dealt with the blaze for several hours.

A joint police and fire service investigation has been launched to establish the cause of the blaze but it is not believed to be suspicious, police said.

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