Fire crews from five stations were called out to a 'large' blaze at Ridgway Road in Ashby this afternoon - with people still believed to be in the building according to Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service.

The fire also spread to another house with two buildings ablaze and our photos show the damage that was caused to both properties.

Emergency calls were made just after 1pm today - but Leicestershire Police say enquiries are continuing as to the cause of the fire.

Police later tweeted: "At this time, all occupants have been accounted for."

Crews from Ashby, Coalville, Swadlincote, Castle Donington and Derby attended the incident.

And Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service said: "Several calls were received to a house fire.

"On arrival, Fire Services were confronted with a large fire - and believed possibly persons were within the building.

"Further assistance was required and two fire engines and an aerial ladder were sent making a total of four fire engines and aerial ladder platform at scene.

"Two houses were involved in fire which spread from the roof of one of the houses. Four Breathing Apparatus, two Hose Reel Jets and one Covering Jet were in use.

"Vehicles attending were, one fire engine from Ashby, one from Coalville, one from Castle Donington, one from Swadlincote, one Aerial Ladder Platform and fire engine from Ascot Drive in Derby."

Fire crews and police were still on the scene at 4pm this afternoon as the full extent of the damage could be clearly be seen.

A roof of one of the houses had been completely destroyed along with part of the property next door.

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police told Ashby Nub News: "Police were informed at 1.27pm today by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue of a fire at a property in Ridgway Road, Ashby.

"Police are assisting the fire service to establish the cause of the fire.Enquiries are ongoing.

"Police have thanked people in the area for their support and co-operation as enquiries continue."

We will provide more details as we get them from the emergency services.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service says that the information provided is believed accurate as at the date and time of publishing, this includes an indication of the nature of the incident, the cause motive and basic cause description.

The Service reserves the right after that date to change, at its absolute discretion, the information provided in any way it chooses including but not limited to deletion and addition without further notice to you.