Liverpool tower block blaze forces evacuations Published duration 11 May 2015

image caption The building was evacuated

A fire that broke out at a block of flats in Liverpool forcing the building to be evacuated.

Firefighters suspect the blaze in the Sefton Park tower block started on the top floor at about 17:50 BST.

The building, Sydenham House in Croxteth Drive, was evacuated with one resident taken to hospital, but their injuries are not thought to be serious.

Residents were taken to a community centre after the blaze, tackled by 12 fire crews, broke out.

Firefighters have been damping down after using two hoses to put out the main blaze.

A Liverpool City Council spokesman said people living in floors one to 13 would now be allowed to return home.

However, those who live in the top two floors of the block, which is owned by Arena Housing/Your Housing, are being accommodated in hotels if they are unable to stay with relatives.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Rob Pritchard said: "A cordon is in place at the scene but there may be some minor debris from windows in the affected flat that may be dislodged.

"We advise people not to approach the scene."

image caption The broke out around 17:50 BST