Blaze at terraced home tackled by firefighters

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the terraced property was "well alight" when crews arrived at the scene

An investigation has been launched into a fire at a terraced home.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called out to Honestone Street in Bideford, Devon, at about 20:15 GMT on Tuesday after reports a two-storey building was "well alight".

A fire service spokesperson said crews had put out the flames during the early hours of Wednesday but remained at the scene to carry out dampening down work.

Devon and Cornwall Police said nearby properties were evacuated and a cordon remained at the scene. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the force.

Crews from 16 different stations were called out during the night to help tackle the flames, the fire service added.

Police said people living near the scene should keep their doors and windows closed.

The force added a large power outage in the area was connected to the incident.

'Bright orange flames'

Ken Parkhouse said he was on his way home from work when he saw the fire.

"It looked very scary," he said.

"Most of the building was on fire and lots of people were out on the street watching what was going on.

"There were bright orange flames and heavy smoke which could be seen from a distance."

Some of the people who were forced to leave their homes have been put up at the nearby Royal Hotel.

Matt Broadrick, the hotel's duty manager, said about 10 rooms for 28 people were let out from 22:00 onwards.

"We've been working quite hard to make sure the people are all accommodated for and trying to find," he added.

"We've got people with babies and dogs that we're all trying to help."

Witnesses said smoke and flames from the fire could be seen from other parts of Bideford and the surrounding area

Hotel owners Christina and Noah Sixton-Brend said the incident had been "horrific" for all involved.

Mrs Sixton-Brend said: "It's such a small community and I think it's so nice us and our staff are coming together to help people.

"The staff have been getting massively involved putting up beds and cots in the middle of the night - you just do what you've got to do."

Mr Sixton-Brend added: "These will be people that the team will know, so we just want to be able to help as much as possible."