Two people have died and 33 had to be rescued after a fire broke out at a residential care home in Hertfordshire, the county’s fire service has said.

Fire crews were called to Newgrange Care Home in Cadmore Lane, Cheshunt, at about 06:00 BST where they fought a “fierce fire” in the first floor and roof of the building.

Residents were taken to a nearby rest centre to be assessed.

Three needed hospital treatment for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Hertfordshire County Council said in a statement: “Firefighters were faced with an extremely fierce fire, well-established in the first floor and the roof of the building, which has since collapsed.

“Thirty-three residents were rescued and firefighters worked closely with police and ambulance colleagues to evacuate them to a nearby emergency reception centre.

“Sadly, we can confirm that two people died in the fire and we would like to offer our sympathies to their families.”

More than £500 has already been raised through an online fund set up to help residents of the care home in the aftermath of the blaze.

A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police said: “Officers attended and assisted with the evacuation of the building and helped to transport residents to an emergency reception centre, which was set up nearby.”

“Investigations are being led by the fire service at this stage and we will continue to provide assistance where necessary,” the spokeswoman added.

The Newgrange website describes it as “a comprehensively-equipped 38-bed private residential care home serving Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

It says the home “received a three star ‘excellent’ rating at the last Care Quality Commission inspection”.

The statement from the county council added that it was working with Broxbourne Council and the health service to assess the needs of the evacuated residents and arrange alternative accommodation.