Appeal for brother who 'lost everything' in fire

The blaze broke out at the building in Jewell Road Bournemouth

A woman has set up a fundraiser for her younger brother who she says has "lost everything" in a fire at his home.

Katherine Thorburn, 36, from Bournemouth is appealing for help for her sibling who was rescued from a burning flat in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Jacob Jessopp, a 22-year-old student, who lived on Jewell Road, in the coastal town, said he was unable to afford contents insurance and now "everything is gone... it is as bad as it can be."

He is currently staying with friends, while working with the housing association to be rehomed.

The cause of the fire was being investigated by emergency services

He said the support from his sister and the community has been "something special" as the fundraiser has raised just under £1,000.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said it was called to the blaze at the property in Bournemouth, at 01:07 BST on 13 July.

The fire service said crews found the building - consisting of a One Stop convenience store and a residential flat - alight.

DWFRS said the cause of the fire was being investigated.

'I need to carry on'

Mr Jessopp said it was just him and his cats in the flat when he was woken by the "fire alarm blaring" and the "smell of smoke".

He said: "There was a wall of smoke in the hallway and I couldn't see in front of my face so I slammed my bedroom door and tried to call 999 but my phone wasn't working.

"I managed to put some clothes on quickly and smashed my window open before climbing onto the roof just below my flat where I began shouting for help."

The fire service got Mr Jessopp down from the roof and he went to hospital with cuts on his arms which he said were "not serious".

The student was set to start a photography course at Poole College in September but his camera was lost in the fire.

"When everything but the clothes on your back are gone, it's terrible, but I have to sort it. It's stressful for sure but it's happened and I need to carry on," said Mr Jessopp.

He added that he rescued one of his cats from the building and the other has been seen safely roaming the neighbourhood.

Mrs Thorburn said she was "shocked" and "really worried" when she heard about her brother.

"I set up the fundraiser to help him get back on his feet." she said.

"Loads of people have been really helpful by donating and some have offered him various items too."