Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service statement after residents evacuated and rescued from Newark property

The fire service has issued a statement after residents were evacuated and rescued in Newark.

Police and firefighters were called to the property on Portland Street, Newark, at 1.15am today (Tuesday).

It is believed a sofa in the basement had been set alight.

An area remains cordoned off while a joint investigation continues into the cause of the fire.

"A joint fire and police investigation is ongoing following a property fire in Newark in the early hours of this morning," said Leigh Holmes, district manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Upon arrival four occupants had evacuated the property, and firefighters went onto rescuing two other occupants.

"Crews will be in the local area this afternoon and on Friday to give re-assurance and advice following this incident."

Detective Sergeant Dave Prest, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are continuing to work closely with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and a joint investigation has begun to establish the circumstances of how the fire began.

“We are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any information which could assist us with our inquiries to please come forward.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 26 of December 7.