TWO people were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a fire broke out at a block of flats in Cheltenham.

Emergency services were called to Lisle House - which is situated in Clarence Square, Cheltenham - shortly before 8pm on Thursday, November 16 after receiving a report of a fire within the building.

The fire is believed to have started between 7pm and 8pm on Thursday night and officers would like to hear from anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity.

A 50-year-old woman was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in a critical condition after sustaining smoke inhalation related injuries.

She remains in hospital in a stable condition.

A woman in her 60s was also taken to hospital with related injuries and a number of other people were assessed at the scene.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses as the cause of the fire is deemed to be suspicious. 

Investigations are ongoing and officers have asked anyone with information about what happened or who has relevant dashcam, mobile or CCTV footage to get in contact by completing an online form on Gloucestershire police's website quoting incident 383 of November 16.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.