A PERSON remains “unaccounted for” following a fire at a house on Exmoor National Park on Wednesday, September 14.

Police officers continue to investigate the fire, which took place between Venn and Hartford, near Brompton Regis, at around 6.15pm.

Nearby homes were evacuated and roads were closed while the emergency services, including fire and ambulance crews, were at the scene.

The family of the “unaccounted for” person is being supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.

The police force is working with Somerset West and Taunton Council to make the property safe to search and forensically examine the scene.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating a fire at a house between Venn and Hartford, near Brompton Regis, Exmoor, at about 6.15pm on Wednesday, September 14.

“Neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution and local roads closed while police, fire and ambulance crews dealt with the incident.

“Sadly one person from the household remains unaccounted for. The family are being supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.

“We're working with the local authority to make the property safe so that officers can search the scene and carry out a forensic examination.

“Avon and Somerset Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact.”