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Eight rescued in flats fire drama Eight rescued in flats fire drama
(9 minutes later)
Firefighters rescued five adults and a baby trapped by fire and smoke on a balcony at a block of flats after a suspected arson attack.Firefighters rescued five adults and a baby trapped by fire and smoke on a balcony at a block of flats after a suspected arson attack.
One person threatened to jump from the balcony as crews used a ladder to save the residents in Worthing, West Sussex.One person threatened to jump from the balcony as crews used a ladder to save the residents in Worthing, West Sussex.
Two elderly women who became lost on a smoke-filled landing were also rescued and treated in hospital. Two elderly women who became lost on a smoke-filled landing were also rescued during the fire on Wednesday evening.
Two residents climbed out of the building through a ground-floor window, during the fire on Wednesday evening. A further two residents were able to climb out of the building through a ground-floor window.
It is thought the elderly women became disorientated when doors closed behind them at the flats in St Botolphs Road.It is thought the elderly women became disorientated when doors closed behind them at the flats in St Botolphs Road.
They were given oxygen at the scene before being taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.They were given oxygen at the scene before being taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.
A man in his 30s was also given oxygen at the scene.A man in his 30s was also given oxygen at the scene.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Gary Towson said an investigation involving police and a fire investigation dog would continue on Thursday.West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Gary Towson said an investigation involving police and a fire investigation dog would continue on Thursday.
He said the possibility of arson had not been ruled out.He said the possibility of arson had not been ruled out.
Zero visibilityZero visibility
Crews received the alert at 1840 BST when a resident said he was trapped in his second-floor flat by fire in the communal hallway.Crews received the alert at 1840 BST when a resident said he was trapped in his second-floor flat by fire in the communal hallway.
Residents were told to stay in their flats with their doors closed until crews could bring them out.Residents were told to stay in their flats with their doors closed until crews could bring them out.
Mr Towson said the hall was full of thick black smoke and visibility was "near zero".Mr Towson said the hall was full of thick black smoke and visibility was "near zero".
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, which started in household items under the open-plan concrete staircase.Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, which started in household items under the open-plan concrete staircase.
The hallway was the only way in and out of the building for the nine flats, Mr Towson added.The hallway was the only way in and out of the building for the nine flats, Mr Towson added.
Residents were given temporary shelter by Red Cross volunteers and some have been allowed to return to their homes.Residents were given temporary shelter by Red Cross volunteers and some have been allowed to return to their homes.