FIVE people were rescued from a fire above a row of shops in Ramsgate early today. Fire crews were called to Harbour Street shortly before 1am after it was reported that seven people were trapped in the premises which is divided into eight flats.

Two were led to safety, but the were trapped by smoke. Firemen wearing breathing apparatus and using ladders managed to rescue the remaining residents. One man was taken to Margate's Queen Mother Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation but he was later discharged.

Divisional Officer Brian Wash said: ”The building was full of smoke and we rescued people from the roof and windows. The fire was on the first floor, blocking escape routes."