RESIDENTS were forced to flee their homes when a fire swept through their block of flats.

Up to 12 people, including a woman and her eight-week-old baby, escaped unharmed when the blaze broke out at 12.40am yesterday in Boscombe.

The fire service believe the blaze started in a bin store at the rear of the Oxfam shop in Christchurch Road and quickly spread to the first and second floor flats.

Yesterday Oxfam revealed that most, if not all of the contents of the charity shop had been ruined.

The workroom at the back of the store and its contents suffered smoke and fire damage and the main shop was damaged by water when fire crews put out the blaze.

Oxfam area manager Jon Adsett said: “We have lost all the stock within the store.

“The shop is temporarily closed for an indefinite period. We would like to thank all the customers, supporters and volunteers for their efforts.”

A total of 35 firefighters from around the area were drafted in to tackle the blaze.

Evacuated residents were cared for by the Red Cross fire and emergency support service team until they found temporary accommodation.

Incident commander, station manager Richard Jones, said: “Luckily all the residents of the flats were able to get out of their properties and crews worked extremely hard to stop the fire causing further damage.

“This proves a working smoke alarm will provide the early warning to a fire and I would like to remind members of the public to have and rehearse a fire escape plan too, because it will prove invaluable if they unfortunate enough to experience a fire.”

Dorset Police say the fire is being treated as suspicious and have appealed for anyone with information to call 01202 222222.

l Donations can still be made to Oxfam at the unit in Victoria Park Road, Winton, on 01202 523149.