An investigation is to start today after a block of 37 flats caught fire in St Austell town centre just after midnight.

Fire Control received the first of multiple 999 calls to a fire at a block of 37 flats in St Austell town centre at 00:36.

Callers said multiple people were inside the building and smoke was issuing from the building.

Three appliances were initially mobilised from Mevagissey, St Dennis and Fowey.

Due to the number of calls received and multiple persons reported, Fire Control made a decision to Make Pumps 4.

A fourth pump was mobilised from Lostwithiel A Station Manager and Group Manager were also mobilised along with an Incident Command Unit from Launceston and Operational Support Unit from St Austell.

On arrival of the Station Manager, further assistance was requested in the form of an additional two appliances from St Austell and Bodmin, an additional Incident Command Unit from St Just along with an additional Station Manager and Group Manager.

This was a multiagency incident involving Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service as the lead agency supported by Devon and Cornwall Police and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

By 4.10am all people now accounted for and the fire service left the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and a full fire investigation will take place later today.