London Road in Chippenham will remain closed for most of the day after a fire broke out in an empty house, opposite the Pack Horse Pub, last night.

The road is closed from the Blackross Junction to the town side of Abbeyfield School, meaning some pupils have been late for school today.

There is still smoke billowing up at the scene and firemen remain in place checking for hotspots.

Firemen were called to the property at 10.50pm last night after a fire started across both floors.

A crew from Chippenham and two crews from Corsham fought the fire from outside because it was unsafe to enter the building.

An aerial appliance was also drafted in from Swindon and a water carrier tank from Royal Wootton Bassett.

Four main jets and a hose reel jet were used to treat the fire and after the fire was under control one fire engine from Swindon was left on the scene.

They were relieved by a firecrew from Melksham at 8am who have been offered tea and biscuits from residents in London Road.

Police Inspector Phil Stayning said they would do a search on the building once it was safe to enter.

He said: “There is certainly no indication of any untoward behaviour but it’s very early days.”

It is believed the owners of the house are an elderly couple and that the house has been empty for some months.

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