Fifty Firefighters are at the scene of a severe flat fire above 'Desi Flame' takeaway in the Kitts Green area of Birmingham.

The inferno tore a huge hole in the roof causing major damage.

Firefighters were called at 3.56am to the flat on fire by West Midlands Police to Lea Village.

Several roads were closed and residents evacuated after the fire service discovered the blaze was close to several gas mains with a risk of explosion.

A spokesman for Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control said: 'We were initially called by police to a flat on fire at 3.56am followed by several calls from members of public.

‘When we arrived firefighters discovered that lots of gas mains were detected in the area and a consultation between Cadent (gas) and officers on scene resulted in an evacuation around the incident.

‘One person was taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation.

‘Paramedics are still on scene.

'At this time we are currently investigating the cause of the fire.’

West Midlands Fire also tweeted: ‘We currently have 50 firefighters dealing with an incident on Lea Village Road, Kitts Green.

‘Please avoid the area if possible due to road disruption.

‘Currently Lea Village Road is closed from the islands of Filliott Road and Hurstcroft Road.’