THIRTY-FIVE firefighters from across Wiltshire rushed to a blaze at a block of flats in the early hours of this morning, which has left a woman in a 'critical condition'.

Shortly after 1am, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service crews, as well as Wiltshire Police officers and South Western Ambulance Service medics, were called to the scene in Waiblingen Way, Devizes.

The fire, which is believed to have started in a communal area, was extinguished by 2.25am.

Nine people have been injured as a result of the fire, ranging in age from five to 62, including one woman aged in her 50s who has suffered serious injuries. She is currently being treated at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and is in a critical condition.

An investigation has now been launched by the Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team to determine the cause of the fire. 

Det Insp Helen Jacobs, of Wiltshire Police, said: “Although we are very much at the early stages of our investigation, we are treating this incident as arson and we will be conducting multiple enquiries today to identify the exact circumstances. 

“If you witnessed any suspicious activity in the Waiblingen Way area before 1am this morning, you may be able to help with our enquiries so please do get in touch.”

Call 101 and quote log number 13 of December 17. 

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.