Blaze guts property on the Downs

The property was being converted into flats

Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes as a blaze ripped through an 18th Century house in Bristol.

The five-storey terraced house in Upper Belgrave Road, the Downs, was gutted by the fire. A man in his 50s was treated for smoke inhalation.

The property was being converted into flats. Workmen cutting metal sheeting were there at the time but were able to get out safely.

The alarm was raised at 1715 BST and six fire crews attended.

"On arrival the building was well alight. We tackled the fire with water jets and aerial equipment. There was fire on every floor, " said Denis McCann, an officer from Avon Fire and Rescue.

An investigation into the cause is now under way.