Newtown fire: Six children and eight adults rescued from Birmingham tower block blaze

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A fire which broke out at a block of flats in Newtown in Birmingham is being treated as suspected arson.

Fire crews were called at 5.40pm on Wednesday November 24 to James House.

Ten engines brought the blaze under control, with a total of 46 crew members at the scene.

The fire, which started in the staircase on the 11th floor, was quickly extinguished by fire crews.

The fire did not spread to any of the flats in the building, however smoke entered some flats on floors 10-12 when residents opened their doors.

In total 14 residents, including 6 children were led to safety. They were treated for smoke inhalation on scene alongside a few residents who left the building themselves.

Some affected residents went to friends and family whilst the incident was taking place, but returned to their respective flats once it was safe to do so.

West Midlands Fire Service say they worked closely with colleagues from West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

A spokesperson from the force said said: "It's understood the fire started in a communal area or stairwell on the 10th floor."

They added that the fire was "quickly extinguished" and did not spread further.

"The fire did not spread to any of the flats in the building, however a number of residents had entered the lobby areas and were subsequently rescued by our firefighters who were wearing breathing apparatus.

"Fire crew remained onsite overnight and work has already started alongside fire investigators to understand how the fire started."