Residents told of their shock after a fire destroyed the roof of a semi-detached home.

A total of 36 firefighters from stations across Dorset battled the blaze which ripped through the property in New Road, Wool, on Tuesday afternoon.

New Road and surrounding streets were blocked as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

Crews were at the scene for several hours.

Fire officers at the scene confirmed that there had been serious damage to the roof as well as some significant damage to the first floor of the property.

The neighbouring property was also affected but the damage was not as serious.

No-one was injured.

The homeowners did not want to comment.

Emergency services were called out at just before 3.45pm on Tuesday, where the fire broke out in the roof space.

The fire was extinguished at 5.40pm, at which point the roof of the property showed extensive damage.

The British Red Cross were also called by fire crews to help provide support to people affected.

Residents of the area told of their shock at the scene.

Richard Snook, a resident of Wool, said: “I heard that the neighbour heard a loud noise.

“The fire started in the roof.”

Another resident, Barry Budge, said: “I don’t know what actually happened, it’s a bit devastating for the owners.”

Other residents praised the emergency services for working to tackle the fire.

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The service was called to New Road, Wool at 3.43pm on Tuesday where the roof of a semi-detached property was on fire.

"Six fire crews were sent, including two from Poole, and one each from Hamworthy, Westbourne, Wareham and Swanage, supported by the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne.

"The stop message (fire is under control) came in at 5.40pm and the last crews were away from the scene by 9.30pm. A crew from Poole revisited the site on Wednesday morning for a reinspection, and the incident has now been closed."

The spokesman added: "A fire investigation is ongoing, although the severity of the damage means a cause is not yet known."