Staff injured as blaze destroys joinery workshop

The building caught fire on Tuesday morning

A joinery business workshop has been destroyed in a fire in Rothley in Leicestershire.

Leicestershire and Rescue Service said seven fire engines were deployed to The Loughborough Joinery Company on the corner of Woodgate and Wellsic Lane at 11:09 BST on Tuesday.

The fire was contained and extinguished but the business was seriously damaged.

"We have suffered a catastrophic fire at our workshop premises," the company said in a statement.

"Both members of staff exited the building with minor injuries after trying to extinguish the fire."

The company thanked people in the village community for their help and efforts following the fire.

People in the area have been urged to keep their windows closed because of the smoke

Adjacent homes were evacuated as firefighters tackled the blaze and National Grid turned off the electricity supply to 80 properties as a safety precaution.

Wellsic Lane has been closed in both directions while firefighters remain at the scene.

Charnwood Borough Council said it had opened the Rothley Centre, in Mountsorrel Lane, with council officers on hand to offer support and advice to residents affected by the power outage.

Large plumes of smoke could be seen in the area