TWO people were last night rescued by firefighters from a blazing shop as the roof of the building threatened to collapse.

Crews were called to the Best Foodstore and Off Licence, in Old Halls Road, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, at about 7pm.

The two rescued were among three people taken to hospital following the incident and were discovered in a flat above the premises.

Fire chiefs from Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue sent two search teams into the burning building, when they became aware the occupants of the flat could still be inside.

Wearing breathing apparatus and stab-proof vests to guard against broken glass and wood the rescuers worked in two-man teams.

As one firefighter began to search the perimeter of a room the other, attached by a fire-resistant line, checked the centre.

Station manager Steve Wharton said: “We train how to search the maximum possible area in the shortest possible time. Obviously, any firefighter would prefer to tackle a blaze outside of the building that’s on fire, but when lives are at stake, the crews are trained to go in and get them.”

The two people were rescued from the gutted flat, which was well alight, just before the blazing roof began to collapse.

Their identities and ages have not yet been released by the emergency services. It is understood at least one passer- by, believed to be an offduty paramedic, helped treat the casualties, who were believed to be suffering from smoke inhalation.

A total of five fire engines and an aerial ladder were deployed to the scene to bring the blaze under control. They were still there late last night and were expected to remain on-site for several hours. Police and ambulance crews also attended.

A joint police-fire investigation is expected to begin when the building is declared safe.

Mr Wharton said an inquiry into what caused the blaze may not start until next week.

He praised the firefighters who entered the burning flat, adding: “They did an absolutely fantastic job.”