A major blaze has broken out at an 18th Century stately home in Surrey.

Some 60 firefighters are tackling the fire at Clandon Park House, a mansion just outside Guildford run by the National Trust.

The fire is believed to have started in the basement just after 16:00 BST, before spreading to the roof.

A National Trust spokesman said the building had been evacuated and everyone who was in the house was safe. He added: “We are devastated.”

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke pouring from the building.

At least one wing of the Grade I listed building appears to have been gutted and the roof has caved in…

To read more of this article, please visit the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-32524445