A WOMAN and her family fled in terror from their blazing home after fire ripped through the first floor of the detached property.

Police and fire crews were called to Hillmeadow in Verwood at about 8.40pm on Friday and found the blaze, which is thought to have started in a bedroom, had already taken hold.

Part of the roof was destroyed and the whole property was smoke-logged, with six firefighters having to wear breathing kit to tackle the flames.

The Echo understands the householder is a mum who lives there with her four sons.

Neighbour Mandy Harvell said: “I was upstairs doing something. I looked out of the window and thought it was foggy. I looked again and thought ‘Oh my God – I can see smoke’.

“There was a policeman outside. We said: ‘Is anyone in there?’ but were told they were all out.

“It’s just lucky it’s a detached house and not a semi.”

She added: “You couldn’t get in or out of the street. The emergency services were all here and they were brilliant. I must have made about 50 cups of tea for them. ”

She and other neighbours in the housing association development are already rallying around to give the family clothes and replace other items they may have lost in the fire.

Shirley Morris said: “She’s lost her house and all her stuff. We’ve said we’ll do everything we can to help her.”

One resident said: “There was a massive plume of smoke, probably 100ft high coming out of the roof.

“The fire service went up a ladder and they had a couple of guys inside the house, because shooting water from the outside didn’t seem to be doing any good.”

On Saturday morning, the house and garden were still surrounded by police tape and scene of crime officers were inside looking for evidence.

Detective Inspector Becky Riggs is appealing for anyone with information to call the police on 101, quoting incident number 455 of February 3, or call the free Crimestoppers line.

• A 41-year-old man of no fixed address was charged on Sunday with making threats to kill, arson, possession of a bladed article and possession of an offensive weapon. He was due to appear at Bournemouth magistrates this morning.