A BABY and two adults were rescued from a ninth floor flat in Westcliff after a blaze took hold, leaving a woman in a life-threatening condition.

Firefighters faced searing heat and smoke as they tackled the blaze in Balmoral flats at 11.10pm last night.

Police are now appealing for witnesses  Police are investigating the cause of a fire in Southend that has left a woman, 30, with life-threatening injuries.

Police were called to the fire in the block of flats in Balmoral Road by the Fire Service at around 11.15pm on Saturday, May 7.

The ninth floor of the premises was evacuated whilst the Fire service extinguished the blaze.

A 30-year-old woman from Southend sustained life-threatening injuries for which she continues to receive hospital treatment.

Chief Inspector and District Commander for Southend, Simon Anslow said: "The cause of the fire is under investigation and detectives are looking at the circumstances leading up to the incident.

"I ask anyone who was in that area around that time to get in contact. Did you see any suspicious activity?”

The three people rescued were left in the care of Ambulance crews, but 17 people suffered the effects of smoke inhalation.

Seven firefighting  crews from across south Essex were called in to help tackle the blaze.

An eyewitness, who did not wish  to be named, said: "It  was a full-on emergency incident.

"There were many police and at least seven fire engines.

"There were lots of  scared people. I  saw one  person on a trolley  being cared for my paramedics.

"Some people  said  they thought they could smell gas. Some others said they had heard a bang before the fire started.

"I have to say, though, that the emergency services did have it all under control. They were  excellent."

Other residents in the block were advised to stay in with their doors closed until smoke had cleared from the building.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus ventilated the building and ensured that no one else was trapped or hurt as a result of the fire or the smoke it caused.

Crews wore 12 sets of breathing apparatus and used two jets to tackle the fire.

They also used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke from the building.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Southend CID on 101. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.