A WOMAN is in a critical conditions and eight others were injured in a fire which broke out in a block of flats in Devizes during the early hours of this morning.

Police are now investigating the blaze which broke out at Waiblingen Way just after 1am.

Around 35 fire fighters tackled the blaze who were joined at the scene by the ambulance service.

A police spokesman said: "The fire is believed to have started in a communal area.

"At this stage, we believe nine people have been injured as a result of the fire, including one woman who has suffered serious injuries. She is currently being treated at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and is in a critical condition.

"The fire was extinguished by 2.25am and a joint investigation with the fire service and Wiltshire Police has now begun to determine the cause of the fire.

Det Insp Helen Jacobs said: “Although we are very much at the early stages of our investigation, we are treating this incident as arson and we will be conducting multiple enquiries today to identify the exact circumstances.

“If you witnessed any suspicious activity in the Waiblingen Way area before 1am this morning, you may be able to help with our enquiries so please do get in touch.”

Call 101 and quote log number 13 of December 17.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.