A MAN was rescued from a burning flat this afternoon, after dangling from the balcony.

The fire broke out in a flat above City Fish Bar and Kebab in Jewry Street, Winchester.

Fire crews, ambulances and police swarmed on the area, closing a key route through the city to deal with the blaze.

Fire crews managed to pluck the man from the balcony - which was adjacent to the burning flat - using a ladder.

They then got into the building via the roof in an attempt to tackle the fire, which had spread to the loft space.

They were able to get the flames under control and had the fire extinguished by 5pm.

The man rescued by fire crews and one other person were treated at the scene by paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service. They did not need to be taken to hospital.

Fire officials later webnt inside the top floor flat above the Wine Depot off-licence to investigate the extent of the damage.

One witness who called emergency services told the Daily Echo how he battled smoke.

He said: "There was smoke coming through the door, I tried to open the door and when I opened it all the smoke came out so I went back downstairs and called the police."

Another witness, Alice Mitchell, 22, of Monks Road, said: "It was pretty dramatic. Lots of billowing smoke.

"There was a man on his balcony waiting for the fire services to help him down.

"He looked terrified and he had no shoes on. He obviously got out as quick as he could."