Firefighters rescued five people from a blaze after it ripped through the stairwell of a block of flats.

Crews battling to prevent the blaze spreading to the roof also evacuated 16 residents from the four-storey block on South Street, Perth, after it took hold at 3.15am on Thursday.

No one required hospital treatment, although one woman was checked over by paramedics at the scene.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the danger came from involved items stored within a drying area of the flats, and have issued a warning.

The extent of the heat, smoke and flames caused significant damage, including melted light fittings, charred door facings and power having to be disconnected because of the impact on the electrics.

Station manager Brian Robertson said: "There is no doubt this fire escalated due to the fact that these combustible materials had been stored within the drying room area.

"We actively campaign to strongly discourage people from leaving these items within drying rooms and near doors and stairwells as escape routes can be compromised.

"This fire had the potential to be even more serious given the amount of combustible material in the staircase and drying areas.

"On this occasion, fire crews were required to lead residents to a place of safety after they were unable to make their own escape out of the building.

"Our message to the public is clear - don't store combustible items within communal areas or allow rubbish to block escape routes."

A joint investigation has been launched involving officers from Police Scotland and the SFRS Fire Investigation Unit.

Residents of all but one of the properties have since been able to return home and SFRS officers have visited homes in the area to offer free home fire safety visits.