SQUATTERS are believed to have caused a blaze which gutted a flat in Weymouth early today.

Police are investigating after reports that the blaze was sparked by a group of squatters illegally tapping into the electricity supply in the lounge of a second floor flat in Walpole Street.

Two crews of firefighters sped to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 6am.

They found smoke billowing from the windows and sparks shooting out into the street.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus conducted a search of the building and found that everyone had made it out safely.

Sub-officer Phil Head, of Weymouth Fire Station, said: "The lads worked hard to extinguish the flames in arduous conditions. The fire took hold of soft furnishings and spread quickly."

After the flames were extinguished a thermal imaging camera was used to locate other seats of fire while the crews used tools to cut away at the charred remains.

Sub-officer Head added: "This fire highlights a number of points which we can't stress too strongly enough.

"Firstly as far as we know there was no smoke detection system and although everyone got out safely we would be happier knowing there were smoke alarms in properties. Secondly we would urge people to make an escape plan in the event of fire, especially if they live in flats.

"Thirdly a vehicle illegally parked in Ranelagh Road delayed a fire engine getting to the incident. It was only a delay of 30 seconds but it could have cost lives if people had been trapped in the building."

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service says the cause of the fire was squatters illegally tapping into the electricity supply.

Sergeant Ian Nowell-Smith, of East Weymouth Police, said officers were investigating and said persons running from the scene about 6am could be involved.