Police officers who came to the rescue of a number of people following a flat fire near Preston’s police station have been praised by their superiors.

A woman jumped from a first-floor window of the flat in Aughton Walk, off Lancaster Road North, and alerted police.

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The incident at 3.30am on Thursday (14 June) saw four fire crews from Preston, Penwortham and Bamber Bridge attend the fire in the ground floor and first floor of the flat.

Four police officers were taken to hospital, along with a number of residents, to be checked over.

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A woman was taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service suffering from the effects of breathing smoke.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Woods tweeted: “Absolute bravery by Lancashire Police officers rushing in to rescue people – very proud of them.

“Just spoken to local leadership and glad to report no serious injuries and all been checked.

“Thanks to all the emergency services who attended.”

Superintendent Wendy Bower said: “Very proud of my officers for their brave and selfless actions to protect the public.”

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The fire service put out the blaze and three flats are understood to be damaged.

A spokesman for the fire service said the cause of the fire remained under investigation.