Fire crews called to Wellow Close in Leigh Park as blaze catches hold at house

The fire service was called to Wellow Close in Leigh Park just after 4pm today.

Six engines were sent out, including crews from Portchester, Havant, Southsea, and Emsworth.

The blaze has spread into the roofs of three houses.

There are three police cars at the scene and several South Central Ambulance Service vehicles, including one ambulance.

One resident of Hook Farm Way, said he was about to visit a family member when he heard a fire engine roar down the road and saw from his front door the fire ‘getting bigger and bigger’.

He said: ‘It was hard to tell what was happening.

‘A man came out the house and there were kids in a car crying and screaming.

‘That’s somebody’s Christmas ruined. The whole of the roof looks like it’s caved in.’

John Heward, a resident of Ibsley Grove who saw the first fire fighters arrive from his house, said the incident was ‘heartbreaking’ to witness.

He said: ‘So close to Christmas - it’s heartbreaking.

‘It looks like it’s three houses - and they will have water damage as well as fire damage.

‘If (a way to help) comes out on Facebook, I’m sure people would rally round.

‘People around here are good at looking after each other.’