THREE firefighters were taken to hospital after tackling a blaze in a high-rise block of flats.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue sent 12 fire engines, 60 firefighters and a number of support vehicles when the alarm was raised at Handsworth House, Portsmouth.

The fire broke out on the 13th floor and the crew discovered and extinguished a "significant" fire using water jets and ventilation equipment.

After the operation three firefighters were taken to hospital for exhaustion but have since been released.

The fire service says they are all "in high spirits and recovering well".

A number of residents were evacuated to a rest centre.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue statement says: "Fire Control did an excellent job of reassuring residents, keeping them safe during the incident.

"We are working with partners and other local authorities including Portsmouth City Council emergency planning team.

"Crews worked well to bring the fire under control and managed to contain it to just the flat it started in.

"The stop came in at 07:13 and our community safety teams are on scene supporting local residents.

"A fire investigation is ongoing."