Firefighters battled through flames in the hallway to save the people who had smashed an upstairs window to get fresh air into the smoke-filled building.

Fire crews gave the occupants oxygen treatment before leading two of them to safety via an aerial ladder platform and the other two people were taken downstairs once the flames were dampened.

The residents were taken to the Conquest Hospital by ambulance suffering from smoke inhalation.

One of them also had a cut hand sustained from breaking the upstairs window.

Hastings Fire Station Watch Commander Kevin Haywood said: "The people upstairs were under a great deal of stress and were clearly distressed so we gave them oxygen before taking them out as the fire had generated an enormous amount of smoke."

He added that the fire was extinguished and occupants rescued within 15 minutes after fire crews arrived at 12.30am today (Friday).

He praised the actions of the occupants for not attempting to fight their way through the flames alone to get outside.

One neighbour said: "We heard a smashing sound and saw someone trying to get in the front door but they had to turn back because of the flames."

Police had cordoned off the building this morning waiting for scenes of crime officers to arrive.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

All four people have now been discharged from hospital.