Poltimore House Trust 'devastated' at suspected arson at historic manor

Fire crews were called to the blaze at Poltimore House early in the morning

An historic manor house has suffered "significant damage" in a suspected arson attack.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at Poltimore House, near Exeter, at about 01:05 BST on Tuesday.

Poltimore House Trust, which was set up in 2000 to preserve the building and estate, said it was "devastated".

Chair of the trust Dr Peter Totterdill said there was "a deep sense of loss". Devon and Cornwall Police said it was investigating the blaze.

Poltimore House, which dates back to the Elizabethan times, has been used as a "major hub" for the local community, the trust said.

Dr Totterdill said he was "shocked at the scale of the devastation".

Poltimore House dates back to the Elizabethan times

He said: "This amazing place has been loved by so many people over the years, and my heart goes out to all the many volunteers who have worked so hard to protect and restore Poltimore House.

"I know that many people are distraught by what has happened and we are all feeling a deep sense of loss."

Dr Totterdill said he had been in touch with board members who were "determined to save" as much of the house as possible.

He said a fundraising appeal would be launched in the coming days.

'Quite extensive' damage

"More than ever, we need everyone's help to recover from this disaster and to move forward with optimism," he said.

Incident commander Neil Hargreaves said damage to the property was "quite extensive".

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was investigating the blaze

Mr Hargreaves, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said the "majority" of the fire had been extinguished but crews would remain on site for the remainder of the day.

He said the presence of asbestos within the building made the incident a "bit more challenging" for firefighters.

Construction of the Grade II* property began in the 1550s for the Bampfylde family who lived in it until 1920 when it was put up for sale.

Witness appeal

On its website, the Poltimore House Trust said the property was used as a college and as a hospital before suffering "enormous" damage in a "deliberate" fire in 1987.

Since then there have been a number of incidents of theft and vandalism, according to the trust.

The fire service said three fire engines remained at the scene to "dampen down hotspots".

It said an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze would take place when "it is safe to do so".

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The incident is being treated as a suspected arson and police are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the fire to contact them."