The fire-damaged house in Woughton on the Green is pictured above.

3 August 2009

An investigation has been launched following a fire which severely damaged a newly-built house in Milton Keynes during the night.

Firefighters were called to the unoccupied property at The Green, Woughton on the Green, at 11.51pm.

Crews from Broughton, Bletchley and Great Holm attended, along with the Command and Control Unit from Aylesbury and a turntable ladder from Luton. At its peak, there were more than more than 30 firefighters at the incident.

Watch Manager Kevin Bird from Broughton Fire Station said: "When we arrived there was a well-developed fire in the ground and first floors. Firefighters worked long and hard into the night but were unable to prevent it from spreading to the roof and causing severe damage."

Firefighters used six sets of breathing apparatus and four main jets, using the nearby canal for a water supply.

Relief crews from Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Winslow, Waddesdon and Aylesbury took over at 4.30am, and further relief crews will be arriving at 9am.

Station Manager Paul Holland, the incident commander, said: "Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police are investigating the cause of the fire."

Police appeal for witnesses - click here