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A firefighter has been injured while tackling what is being treated as a deliberate fire in Peterhead.

Emergency services were called to the fire in a block of flats in the Aberdeenshire town's King Street shortly after 04:00.

Police said a number of properties had to be evacuated, and a 58-year-old male firefighter was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment following a fall.

"Inquiries remain ongoing however the fire is being treated as wilful," a Police Scotland statement said.

Residents led to safety

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said: "Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances to the town's King Street, where firefighters were met by a fire within a block of flats.

"Crews thereafter used breathing apparatus and specialist fire escape hoods to lead a number of residents to safety.

"One firefighter was transported to Aberdeen's Royal Infirmary by paramedics where he received treatment for a leg injury. He has since been discharged from hospital."

The statement added: "The fire has now been extinguished and firefighters remain on scene working to ensure the area is made safe."