A fundraiser has been set up for the Ashby woman whose house was hit by fire yesterday (Thursday).

The property in Ridgway Road was badly damaged in the blaze - with the roof almost completely burned out.

Now a Gofundme page is aiming to raise money for the occupant, saying she 'has lost everything'.

Fire crews from five stations were called to the fire which began just after 1pm.

Emergency services, including police, were at the scene until the early evening.

But while the woman escaped unharmed - with pets - it left her devastated.

Now Paula Perkins has set up the page which you can donate to Here.

Last night, the total had surpassed the initial target of £200 and had hit £625.

The message on the Gofundme page reads: "Hi, my mum's next door neighbour Gill has lost everything in a house fire.

"I would like to raise a bit of money so she can start to rebuild her home.

"So if anyone can spare a little money to make this happen it would be very much appreciated. Thank you."

Police have been trying to find out how the fire was caused.

Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service described the incident as a 'large fire' and said that, at first, they knew the occupant was still inside.

But later, Leicestershire Police tweeted that everyone had been accounted for.

Among the comments on the fundraising page are: 'Awful thing to happen, just happy the lady is safe'; 'Terrible thing to happen ,just glad no one was hurt'; and, 'It was awful to see this today, only got a little hope it helps'.

The Willesley TARA for residents and friends of the Willesley Estate posted on Facebook and said: "As a community we are all shocked and saddened by today's house fire.

"Luckily nobody was harmed and all pets were safely removed from the house."