SEVEN people were evacuated following a fire at flats in Colchester today.Firefighters were called to a three-storey building at Meopham Court, off Stanley Road, Colchester, after fire broke out in the communal hallway.

SEVEN people were evacuated following a fire at flats in Colchester today.

Firefighters were called to a three-storey building at Meopham Court, off Stanley Road, Colchester, after fire broke out in the communal hallway.

Seven people were led to safety by crews on arrival at the scene.

The fire was reported at about 2.20am.

A spokesman for Essex fire and rescue said: “The prompt action of crews meant that the fire was confined to the communal stairway but there was severe smoke damage to several flats, making seven people homeless - five adults and two children.”

Firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose reels to tackle the blaze.