Two children are in hospital, one in a critical condition and the other in a stable condition, after a fire in Hastings this afternoon.
The fire engulfed a building on Heretaunga Street West, Hastings around 2.30pm.
Police say three adults were also taken to hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation. They have been discharged.
Fire Service assistant area commander Nigel Hall said the two children suffered burns and were helped from the building by the three adults.
The two children were helped from the building by three people who have also been taken to hospital.
Video captured earlier this afternoon by a passer-by showed thick clouds of smoke billowing onto the street.
The cause of the fire is unknown. The Fire Service says the blaze has now been put out and fire investigators are on the scene.
Police say the fire is being treated as suspicious and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
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