UNATTENDED cooking sparked a fire at a high-rise block of flats last night.

Emergency services were scrambled after reports of smoke coming from flats on Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

Around 35 firefighters were called to tackle the ‘small blaze’ which broke out at a sixth-floor apartment.

Meanwhile, police helped to direct traffic near the junction of the Lansdowne Roundabout.

Crews from Springbourne, Westbourne, Redhill Park, Christchurch and Poole were all part of the operation that involved an aerial ladder platform.

According to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, there were no injuries reported and no rescues required.

However, because water was used on such a cold evening, BCP Council crews were called to grit the roads.

The stop message was received at 9.35pm.

Dorset police have said officers attended to assist with traffic management and an update was received at 10pm that no further help was required.