Stately home ravaged by fire

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More than 60 firefighters have been tackling a fire at a Grade II-listed stately home in Dorset.

Twelve fire engines were needed to fight the fire at Holnest Park House, in Holnest.

Dorset Fire Service said it was a "very large and well-developed fire" in the building south of Sherborne.

The flames spread through the centre of the building, which is divided into seven flats, but had not spread to its wings, the fire service said.

Monitoring hotspots

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: "Crews have worked extremely hard to contain the fire in the centre section of this building, and prevent its spread to the left and right hand wings.

"Fortunately no-one has been injured and no-one has been evacuated, which is always a small positive in incidents such as these.

"We will ensure that 30 to 40 firefighters will be on scene overnight to continue firefighting activities, damping down and tackling any hotspots.

"The cause of the fire is unknown. Fire investigation officers will begin a detailed examination of the property when it is safe to do so - probably at first light tomorrow."

The mansion dates back to the 18th Century but was converted into separate flats in the modern era.