A 'SUSPICIOUS' fire broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning (April 9) at a popular house and grounds in Devon. 

Poltimore House, which has been restored by volunteers over the years, was severly damaged by fire. The Grade II Listed building is a hub for the local community, and includes a farm shop, cafe and runs open house sessions and events. 

The incident is being treated as 'suspected arson' and police are appealing for information. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police attended the incident, which happened around 1.05am. 

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Fire control received several 999 calls reporting a fire in a derelict property just outside of Exeter.

"Two fire engines were initially sent, however information gained from other callers, fire control mobilised a third.

"On arrival crews confirmed this derelict property was fully involved in fire and requested a further three fire engines (six in total), two aerial ladder platforms and two water bowsers. Crews have been using multiple jets to extinguish the fire."

Poltimore House Trust, one of the charities that runs the house, said they are 'absolutely devastated' by the news. 

Dr Peter Totterdill, chair of Poltimore House Trust, said: “This amazing place has been loved by so many people over the years, and my heart goes out to all the many volunteers who have worked so hard to protect and restore Poltimore House. I have been at the House all morning and am shocked at the scale of the devastation.

“I know that many people are distraught by what has happened and we are all feeling a deep sense of loss. However I have been in touch with many of our board members and we’re determined to save what we can of this important part of Devon’s heritage, and to hold on to our vision of Poltimore House and Grounds as a place for everyone.

“More than ever, we need everyone’s help to recover from this disaster and to move forward with optimism.”

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Poltimore House in Devon.

"Officers were notified of the fire overnight between Monday 8 April and Tuesday 9 April and later requested to attend by the fire service.

"The incident is being treated as a suspected arson and police are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the fire to contact them.

"Please contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference 50240083403."