A MAN was rushed to hospital and three other patients were treated at the scene following a flat fire in the early hours of Wednesday.

Crews from across Berkshire were deployed to Oak Drive in Arborfield, Wokingham, at around 1.45am after reports of smoke coming from a block of flats.

Firefighters used hose reels and specialist breathing equipment to tackle the blaze, which was advanced by the time they arrived.

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service said: "We were contacted by Thames Valley Fire Control at 01.38am this morning and asked to attend a fire at a residential block of flats.

"The basement flat was reported as being well ablaze. We sent two ambulances and a paramedic team leader in a rapid response vehicle to the scene.

"Four patients were suffering smoke inhalation, three of whom were able to be treated at the scene and one required further assessment and treatment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital."

Crews from Wokingham, Whitley Wood and Wokingham Road were on the scene for around two hours.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment.