A FIRE resulted in a man being taken to hospital with burn injuries in Winchester city centre on Sunday evening (October 9).

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to a flat in Staple Gardens, where a man, in his 40s, was rescued from the building.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "At 12.39pm on Sunday, October 9, officers were called to a concern for safety incident at an address in Staple Gardens, Winchester. 

"Upon arrival, smoke was seen inside the flat. A man in his 40’s was also inside the flat.

"Colleagues from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

"Residents in neighbouring properties were evacuated for a short time to ensure their safety.

"The man was taken to hospital with serious burn injuries.

"No-one else was injured."

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A spokesman from Hampshire Fire Service said: "Firefighters rescued a man from a fire in a first floor flat and gave immediate emergency care before passing him into the hands of paramedics.

"Crews from Winchester and Eastleigh attended an address in Staple Gardens, Winchester, at just before 12.40pm on Sunday (October 9) and forced entry to the flat.

"Fire investigators attended the property and the stop message was received shortly after 1.40pm."

South Central Ambulance Service has been asked for a comment.