Cadent issue statement after fire at flat above Hard Lane shops

Emergency services attended a flat above the parade of shops on Hard Lane shortly before 1am. 

Two fire engines were sent to the scene and crews found there had been a blaze in a flat above a shop.

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Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames and the fire was out by 2.19am.

All residents of the affected flat and adjoining flats had been evacuated before firefighters arrived and a 50-metre cordon had been put in place.

One person was assessed at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital for further assessment.

Damage to the flat above the shops on Hard Lane (Image: St Helens Star)

A spokesman for Cadent, which manages the local gas network, said: “We were called to an incident in the early hours of this morning at Hard Lane, St Helens.

“Our engineers have been on site assisting the emergency services with their investigations and, as routine in an incident like this, making sure everything associated with gas is safe.

“We’ve carried out a thorough check of the gas mains and service pipes in the area and can confirm they are sound and did not contribute to this incident.

“It is now for the fire service and police to investigate the cause.

“If you ever smell gas, day or night, act immediately and call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.”

In a statement Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Multi-agency meetings took place on scene between MFRS, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service and Cadent.

"The incident was handed over to Merseyside Police and Cadent, with fire crews leaving the scene at 4.32am."

Merseyside Police confirmed that officers had assisted emergency services at the scene and a man had received treatment at the scene for "minor injuries" and was taken to hospital for assessment.