Man critical after fire at block of flats in Londonderry

Great James Street was sealed off for a time on Tuesday afternoon

A man who is in a critical condition after a fire at a block of flats in Londonderry has been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The blaze broke out on Tuesday afternoon in Great James Street.

Part of the road was closed while the emergency services attended the fire on the second floor.

The fire is thought to be accidental pending further investigation, according to the fire service.

Twenty-seven firefighters attended the scene.

'Very serious fire'

Assistant Group Commander Warren Kerr said: "Firefighters entered the property to extinguish the fire and then they rescued a young man. I think he might've been in his 20s but it was hard to tell.

"He had severe burns and was unconscious. He was treated at the scene by the fire service and the ambulance service and then taken directly to hospital.

"We found him in his bedroom in the very far corner. This was a very serious fire and the flat itself is very badly damaged. The blaze could've spread to neighbouring flats."

A nearby resident told BBC Radio Foyle: "I smelt the smoke and I just ran out the door."

A man, who also lives in the block of flats, said: "The alarm went off. I went up and kicked the door open and black smoke just came out. We couldn't go in but luckily enough the fire service was already called."