Newbury porch destroyed in fire

Burning paper accidentally placed in bin

A porch was completely destroyed after a fire broke out at a Newbury property.

Firefighters from Newbury Fire Station were called to the house in Culver Road at 11am on Saturday.

Watch manager Richard Young said that the fire started after an elderly gentleman accidentally placed a burning piece of paper in his recycling bin.

Mr Young said that the man escaped unharmed.

He said that the property had a working smoke alarm but was placed at the top of the stairs.

He advised that properties should have alarms on each floor, in order for fires to be detected faster.