Lostwithiel 18th Century manor hit by major blaze Published duration 21 December 2019

image copyright Lostwithiel Community Fire Station/Twitter image caption Firefighters were withdrawn from the building in Milltown "due to risk" to them

An 18th Century manor house has been damaged by fire which left crews fearing it might collapse.

The blaze was spotted in the three-storey building in Milltown, Cornwall, at about 08:50 GMT.

Initially, three fire crews were called but nine more were sent to the scene, near Lostwithiel, at about 11:45.

After nearly nine hours it was brought under under control and there were no reports of injuries. It is understood the house was empty at the time.

Experts from the Environment Agency were called in to carry out an environmental risk assessment.

Staff from Western Power Distribution and Cornwall Council emergency management officers were also called to the scene.

The blaze spread from the first floor of the house to a roof space before it was brought under control.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus had gone into the building to try and stop that spread but had to pull back building "due to risk" to them, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said.

Terry Nottle, of Bodmin Fire Station, said it was a "significant fire" and "we don't get many 12-appliance fires in the county".

Although the fire is under control, crews are due to remain at the scene until Sunday.

An investigation is to be carried out into the cause.