A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital following a house fire in Helensburgh in the early hours of Friday.

Emergency services were called to a report of a fire in a block of flats near the junction of East King Street and Grant Street shortly after 3am.

People living nearby were evacuated from their homes while firefighters tackled the blaze.

A police spokeswoman said: "At around 3.20am on Friday, July 13, police received a report of a fire in Grant Street, Helensburgh.

"Emergency services attended and a 26-year-old man was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, where medical staff describe his condition as critical.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire."

Helensburgh resident Edward Matheson, who lives in a neighbouring block of flats in East King Street and was one of the evacuated residents, said people living nearby were able to return to their homes at around 5am.

A spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 3.15am on Friday, July 13 to a fire at a flat in Helensburgh.

“Operations control mobilised a number of fire engines to East King Street where firefighters extinguished the fire.

“One female casualty received a precautionary check at the scene by Scottish Ambulance Service personnel but did not require hospital treatment.

“One male casualty was taken to hospital.

“A crew remains on scene ensuring the area is made safe.”