FAMILIES have been evacuated from their homes this morning after a fire broke out in a terrace block.

Five fire engines are on the scene at Elm Crescent in Hythe after the blaze broke out the roof of one home before spreading to another.

Daily Echo:

Hampshire Fire and Rescue have told resident to leave their homes while they contain the fire.

Dozens of people are standing behind a cordon which has closed a section of the affected road.

South Central Ambulance crews are on the scenes but a spokesman said there were no injuries.

One of the evacuated neighbours, Pete Rodgers, 60, from Elms Crescent, said: “At 9am my nephew was walking the dog and he saw it [the fire] across the road and then told me and then there was a lot of smoke and there was flames coming out one of the roofs.

Daily Echo:

“When the fire brigade came they made us all come out and the residents were led to safety.

He added: “It was quite some fire, the smoke was belting out.

Daily Echo:

“The fire crews did really well, there were really professional. They really went to it and battled the flames. I am just glad no one has been hurt”.

An arson task force van is now on the scene as an investigation is launched into what started the blaze.