A child is fighting for his life after a fire in the West Midlands, with a total of five people taken to hospital. Emergency services were called to reports of a blaze at 10.16pm on Saturday in Walsall.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said nine people needed treatment when they arrived at the scene in Redwood Road. She explained: "Firstly, a child who was assessed and had sustained potentially life-threatening injuries. He received advanced trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene before being conveyed to Birmingham Children's Hospital with medics travelling on board for further treatment en route.

The spokeswoman added: "Two women, a man and a teenage boy received treatment for smoke inhalation and were taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further assessment."

The statement said four more people were assessed by ambulance staff at the scene and did not require further treatment.

The West Midlands Fire Service confirmed it had attended a "significant" incident in the area and had sent eight appliances to the scene.

Posting on social media, a spokesman said: "We will be on scene throughout the night, so please avoid the area where possible."

A West Midlands Police spokesman said they were also called to the scene of the fire.

He added: "We're working alongside fire service investigators to establish the cause of the blaze."