TWO people were rushed to hospital as firefighters battled thick smoke to evacuate residents from a flat fire, last night.

Two people were taken to hospital after 12 firefighters rushed to the scene of the blaze at Hepworth Close, Sholing, after the alarm was raised at 9.45pm last night.

One of the neighbours who was evacuated from the block, told the Daily Echo: "I realised something was going on when I smelled smoke.

"I went to the door and it was thick was smoke so I shut it and went back inside.

"Then I heard banging on my door and it was the firemen telling me to get out."

The man was taken down the smoke-filled stair by the fire crews and then outside.

"The firefighters were brilliant, they did all their jobs and did them well."

Five people were rescued from the blaze at a ground floor flat and two were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus, a hosereel jet and ventilation equipment during the incident.

The fire was extinguished by 10.40pm.