A man has been taken to hospital and neighbours have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a first floor flat in the early hours of this morning.

The emergency services were called to a property on Goldsmith Way, St Albans, just after 4am where the blaze was dealt with by fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus and using two hose reels.

One eyewitness said rescue staff were overheard saying that the fire was likely caused by a cigarette, however a full investigation is ongoing.

Fire crews left the scene at around 6.30am.