Four casualties rescued from top floor of Burslem building as fire rages
Firefighters have rescued a group of people from a town centre building as crews continue tackling a blaze. An air ambulance has been seen hovering above Burslem as emergency services continue their efforts on Waterloo Road.
The stretch - between Zion Street and Queen Street - has been shut after the alarm had been raised just after 1pm. At least four fire engines along with the aerial ladder platform are in the Mother Town while paramedics and four police cars are also in the area.
Smoke can be seen pouring from a building on Waterloo Road and is visible from surrounding neighbourhoods. West Midlands Ambulance Service say they were called by the fire service - but no further details have been released.
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However this afternoon and a group of at least four people have been rescued from the upper floor of a building on Waterloo Road. The aerial ladder platform was guided to the window where they were helped out by brave fire crews.
Meanwhile shoppers from the nearby B&M claim to have been evacuated. West Midlands Ambulance Service now have one ambulance and three incident response units all at the scene.
We have requested statements from the emergency services.
Further updates can be found in our dedicated blog here.
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