THREE people had to be rescued when a blaze broke out at a Greenock block of flats earlier today.

Fire chiefs say combustible materials including laminate flooring, nappies and other waste caught fire at the Neil Street property at around 10.30am.

The blaze within the common close of the second floor meant that people on the top floor had to be saved and be treated by paramedics.

A spokesman for Greenock fire station said: "The fire was well developed on the second floor of the four-storey block.

"Firefighters using breathing apparatus brought it under control and led people to safety.

"They underwent precautionary checks by paramedics who also attended at the locus."

The spokesman added: "We would advise about the storing of combustible materials and that they should be removed.

"If people have concerns they should contact the fire service and also ensure that they have working smoke alarms."

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

No further details are available at present.