FIVE fire crews were called to tackle a blaze in a terraced property in Mary Tavy on Saturday morning.

The fire, in an end of terrace property near Station Road, started in the roof just after 9.30am and the crews from Tavistock, Bere Alston and Crownhill worked for around two hours to put it out.

The house was empty as the owners had gone away that morning but returned that day after being informed about the fire.

Tavistock fire-fighter Glenn Arundel said: 'There was a serious fire in the roof but the fire service prevented it from spreading to the first floor or ground floor and prevented it spreading to the attached properties. We believe the cause to be accidental.'

Crews used four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one covering jet and compressed air foam to extinguish the fire, which left the roof severely damaged.