Elderly led to safety after fire alert

Police and a Royal Naval Green Goddess crew evacuated the occupants of nine flats at Alderton Court, West Parade, after smoke alarms signalled that a fire had broken out in the electrical intake box in the foyer at 3.40am.

They were cared for by neighbours whose flats were unaffected and later allowed back into their homes.

A strong smell of smoke still lingered in the hallway later as residents gathered the contents of their fridge-freezers and sought the help of neighbours until power could be restored.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "They are trying to get the power back for us but the fire was in the meter cupboard so they are doubtful for the moment.

"Some people have no heating, I believe."