'Boiler blast' blamed as fire rips through homes

Homes were evacuated by firefighters in a town after a boiler reportedly exploded in a house.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Alexandra Street in Nuneaton at 11:55 BST on Wednesday.

One resident, Sara Bibb, 34, said she thought the fire started when the boiler in her mum's house "blew up" while she was asleep.

Crews found a fire in a bedroom and the roof of three terraced properties and, while the blaze was ongoing, a spokesperson said it was under control.

"It's unlivable now and the whole property has gone," Ms Bibb added.

She said the family were trying to find emergency accommodation.

"The thing they've got to try and do first is find clothes as they've only got the clothes on their back," the 34-year-old said.

Officers with Warwickshire Police were called out and closed the road, putting a cordon in place but a spokesperson said it had since been lifted.

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