Island support for fire homeless

Police and fire officers are investigating the cause of the blaze

People in Jersey have been rallying round to support those left homeless by the lodging house fire in St Peter.

About 40 people, including workers from Madeira and their families, were left with nothing but the clothes they stood in after the fire on Monday evening.

But islanders have begun to donate clothes, toys and bedding.

Meanwhile, the Health Protection Service has warned people not to touch any material that fell from the plume of smoke during the blaze.

Hand washing

It said it was not known exactly what material was burned in the fire, so it was important not to let ash touch the skin.

Islanders are advised to wash their hands thoroughly after sweeping up and double bagging any debris.

The fire has been extinguished and roads around the area have reopened.

Police and fire investigators are still at the fire site to try to establish the cause of the fire.