Road reopens after fire at block of flats

A road has reopened following a fire at a block of flats.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said it was called at about 13:00 BST to a fire involving the stairwell and roof space of a block of flats on Garfield Road in Ryde.

HIWFRS said the fire in the stairwell had now been extinguished, with crews from Newport, Ryde, Shanklin, Cowes, Sandown and Ventnor continuing to damp down the roof space and monitor the building.

A temporary road closure was put in place while crews dealt with the incident. In a statement on social media, Isle of Wight Police advised those who lived in the area to keep their windows shut.

HIWRS said all residents were safe and accounted for and that it was working with partner agencies to ensure those affected were supported.

Hampshire Police said in a statement: "Officers have attended the scene and will be working with fire service colleagues to investigate the cause of the fire.

"Investigations are ongoing."