INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into the cause of a fire that left a Tiverton pub with serious structural damage.

Fire ripped through The Twyford Inn, on the corner of Bampton Street and Newport in Tiverton on Monday (April 14), completely destroying the roof and first floor - and the cause is still under investigation by the Fire Service and Police.

Fire Appliances from Tiverton, Bampton and Wellington were called to the incident at around 10am on Monday morning, but as of yet have been unable to identify a cause.

A Devon and Somerset Fire spokesman said: “The cause of the fire has not yet been established and is currently undetermined - the investigation is continuing and we will keep everyone updated.”

Around 50 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze, as Tiverton town centre was brought to a standstill.

Residents from nearby properties were evacuated and a cordon was set up along Bampton Street.

The fire was extinguished by fire crews using six breathing apparatus wearers, five hose reel jets, two main jets, compressed air foam systems jets, one aerial ladder platform, ladders for access and a thermal image camera to check for hot spots.

Western Power also attended the incident in order to isolate the electricity supply to the property.

Sandra Bergmane, who owns Tiverton Bead and Wool Shop on William Street, just round the corner from the Twyford Inn, said the incident was very worrying.

She said: “I was coming into the car park at around 10.25am and I got out of the car and I could smell something was burning, but couldn't see where it was coming from - but then I saw people running around and the smoke coming from the building.

“It's not so much dramatic, but worrying, but luckily the fire didn't spread.

“I wasn't allowed back in my shop in the afternoon because everything was cordoned off.”

Mid Devon District Council have since been called in to advise on safety and structural issues caused to the building.

The Council's emergency planning officer and homelessness team also liaised with the emergency rest centre set up by the town council and were also ready in case any neighbouring residents needed temporary accommodation, which turned out not to be necessary.