A JOINT police and fire investigation is underway after a blaze gutted a derelict bungalow in Derby.
Firefighters from three different stations spent more than two hours tackling the flames after being called to the home in Swarkestone Road, Chellaston, at 4.25am on Saturday.
The road remained blocked to traffic from its junction with Greenwood Road and the Bonnie Prince Charlie roundabout for a number of hours and motorists had to seek alternative routes into and out of the city.
Speaking at the scene on Saturday morning Dave Paul, fire investigator, said: "We were called to the fire at 4.25am and crews from Nottingham Road, Ascot Drive, Kingsway and Melbourne attended.
"The aerial ladder platform was also needed so that firefighters could tackle the flames from above the property.
"The cause is a matter for a joint police and fire investigation and the bungalow, which is empty, has been very badly damaged as a result."
On Saturday morning a police forensics van as well as one fire engine were at the scene while a police officer was directing traffic at the junction of Greenwood Road.
One neighbour in Swarkestone Road, who did not wish to be named, said: "My brother lives near to the house so I was concerned that it might have been his house.
"There was lots of water running down Swarkestone Road from the firefighters pumps.
"The bungalow, where the fire is, has been empty for years, it is a proposed entrance for a new housing development."
