Homeowner describes 'utter devastation' after fire

A woman whose home was one of eight damaged by fire in Gosport has described finding "utter devastation" when she returned to her property.

The blaze started in a terraced house in Hill Park Road on Wednesday night and quickly spread through the roofs to neighbouring homes.

The fire service said an e-scooter battery was the most likely cause of the fire.

Terri Morgan said she and her partner had lost everything after fleeing in their pyjamas.

Terri Morgan and Jayson Carter escaped the fire in their pyjamas

She said: "I heard this huge bang and went to the front door and I saw the flames.

"We got out through the back way and watched it unfold before we were moved away for our safety."

More than 60 firefighters tackled the blaze which started at about 21:40 BST.

Ms Morgan, who has lived in the street with her partner for two years, said: "Everything is just gone.

"I don’t know what I was expecting."

The roofs, which were in danger of collapse, are being removed

On Thursday, the couple were asked if they wanted to retrieve any personal items and were escorted inside by a firefighter.

"I had to leave the property," she said. "It’s all waterlogged, the ceilings have fallen down.

"We weren’t able to rescue anything – just some medication and car keys."

Two people were treated at the scene and released by the ambulance service.

"The most important thing is that everyone got out safely - you can replace items," Ms Morgan said.

"When we left the house, we were in our pyjamas. Yesterday we had to go out and buy clothes.

"We’ve been there two years and were in the process of fixing it up. It’s nobody’s fault but all that hard work is gone."

Gosport Borough Council, which has been supporting the families, said demolition crews were in the process of removing the roofs which were in danger of collapsing.

Fire station manager Lacey Plumbley, who attended the incident, said: "We are urging people to keep an eye on their e-scooter and e-bikes when they are charging them and to think carefully about where they store them."