A MAN has been winched to safety after a blaze broke out at a skyscraper – with clouds of smoke billowing into the sky.
Shocking images from the scene in Reading show huge thick black plumes rising as a person trapped is bundled into a cage and lifted to safety.
Horrifying footage shows flames erupting from the tower as the stranded person is rescued by fire crews.
Smoke can been seen for miles as the building, which is close to the town's train station, ferociously burns.
An air ambulance was in attendance earlier and two people have now been taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service said: "I can confirm we've taken two people to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for further assessment and treatment for smoke inhalation, neither of whom were severe cases.
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"We are now on stand-by supporting the fire service (which is a standard operational procedure when they are working at height and at scale).
"We have our hazardous area response team, an ambulance, the Thames Valley Air Ambulance critical care car, an operational commander, a tactical adviser and a tactical commander at the scene."
The large blaze occurred at Station Hill development site, it has been confirmed.
Redwood Consulting, on behalf of Station Hill, said: "We activated our fire emergency plans immediately, the emergency services were notified and are currently on site.
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"The safety of those on site and the wider public is always our first priority, and the site has been evacuated as a result.
"As soon as we have more information we will provide an update."
All trains headed between Reading and London have since been cancelled following the blaze.
Did you see the building burst into flames or do you know anyone evacuated? Email [email protected]
Residents who live close by are being asked to keep all doors and windows shut as emergency services work to extinguish the flames.
Workers in nearby offices have also reportedly been evacuated.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Thames Valley Police has shut two nearby roads and deployed drones to help with their efforts.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Police officers are currently on scene supporting colleagues from Fire and Rescue and South Central Ambulance Service at an incident on Napier Road, Reading.
"Please avoid the area to allow emergency services clear access to the scene.
"Road closures are in place from Forbury roundabout to Forbury Road, Friar Street and Friar West.
"We are working to allow access for residents to premises that have not been affected by the fire, and to the hotels.
"If you live in the surrounding area, please keep windows closed and stay indoors. Further updates will be provided shortly."
It is understood Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has now got the fire under control.
They said: "At 11:38am on Thursday, 23 November, we received reports of a fire near Napier Road in Reading.
"A number of our crews are currently on the scene. While emergency services work, we ask that people avoid the area where possible and close windows and doors if you live or work nearby.
"Thank you for your patience while we deal with this incident.
"Updates will continue to be provided through our website incident feed."
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