Two people have been rushed to hospital in a critical condition following a fire at Stevenage’s Woodlands View Care Home.

The East of England Ambulance Service Trust wrote on its website: “The Trust was called at 4.30pm on Saturday (February 3rd) to reports of a fire at a care home in Magpie Crescent, Stevenage.

“A number of ambulance service resources are at the scene including six ambulances, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), a rapid response vehicle, two air ambulances (one left at 6pm) and a number of ambulance officers.

“Ambulance crews have worked swiftly and effectively with colleagues in the police and fire service to evacuate the property and treat patients.

“By 6pm, the fire was under control and firefighters were ventilating the property.

“Two casualties have been taken to Lister Hospital in a critical condition (age/gender unknown).

“Ambulance crews are still on the scene assessing a number of other patients.

“The incident is still ongoing.”

•Update: Seven taken to hospital after fire at Woodlands View Care Home

•More: Woodlands View Care Home response