People were evacuated from their homes by firefighters as they tackled a fire which badly damaged a flat.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue says it was alerted to a flat fire in Colnhurst Road, Watford, at 8:50am this morning (Monday).

Crews found a blaze in a first floor flat on arrival, the fire service said.

Neighbouring flats were evacuated while firefighters tackled the blaze, which was extinguished by 9.15am.

Three fire engines from Garston and Watford fire stations had attended the scene, the fire service said.

Pictures published by Garston Fire Station show the aftermath of the fire, with the living room and hallway of the first floor flat badly damaged.

It said on twitter: "At 08:50, crews from @garstonfire and @redsfirewatford were mobilised to a flat fire persons reported. Upon arrival crews found smoke issuing from a first floor flat. All persons were accounted for and the fire was extinguished."

An investigation into the fire is currently taking place, the fire service said.