Warehouse fire appeal

The warehouse building was substantially damaged

Police are appealing for witnesses to help them investigate the cause of a large fire at a carpet warehouse in Devon.

Flames were seen coming through the roof of the Peter Betteridge store in Kingsbridge in the early hours of Sunday.

Twelve people were led from their homes and a nearby inn as 10 appliances battled to bring the fire under control as toxic smoke swept the surrounding area.

The building was substantially damaged and fire officers say it is being treated as suspicious.

It is thought the blaze was started deliberately in a pile of rubbish just outside the building.

A short stretch of the A379 was closed and a diversion is in place.

Divisional Fire Officer Alan Phillips, said: "The road will probably remain closed for a couple of days.

"The building is relatively safe."

Police and members of Devon Fire and Rescue's Arson Task Force is investigating the cause.