A blaze which ripped through an Ashby home last week was caused by an illegal electrical fitting - with evidence of cannabis production inside the property.

And Leicestershire Police say three men were seen going into the house in Ridgway Road before the fire broke out.

It caused extensive damage to the roof of the house with flames also spreading to the next door property.

Fire crews from five stations rushed to the scene to fight the blaze which broke out on Thursday afternoon at around 1.30pm.

Read: Large fire breaks out on Ashby estate

Now detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A police statement said: "Following a report of a fire, officers attended with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and it was established the fire had been caused by an illegal electrical installation.

"Evidence relating to the cultivation of cannabis was found inside.

"The fire spread to a neighbouring property, causing significant damage."

Detective Constable Natasha Perkins, from Coalville CID, is the investigating officer.

She said: "From enquiries carried out to date, I have established that three men were seen going into the property a short time before the fire broke out.

"I would like to speak to anyone who lives in Ridgway Road or the surrounding incident.

"Any information you are able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, could help my investigation.

"I am keen to speak to anyone in the area either with CCTV installed at their address or who was driving in the area of Ridgway Road and has a dashcam installed in their vehicle."

Th day after the blaze, a fundraising page was set up for the householder who had 'lost everything'.

Read: Fundraising page set up for woman whose house was badly damaged in fire

Police say you can report crime online by visiting How to report a crime and quoting reference 20*585761. Alternatively, call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.