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Fire rips through roof of listed castle

Jason Arunn MurugesuNorth East and Cumbria
Chris Bainbridge Overhead shot of Armathwaite Castle, a large mansion with three floors. The wing to the left is shorter and includes dormers on the top floor, while the roof of taller wing to the right has flames are shooting out of the middle of its roof. The building is surrounded by trees and a lawn and there is a large caravan parked outside. Chris Bainbridge
Flames were seen blasting through Armathwaite Castle's roof

A fire ripped through a Grade II* listed castle overnight, with flames seen shooting out of a section of the building's roof.

Attempts to bring the blaze under control at Armathwaite Castle, near Carlisle, began at just after 19:30 BST on Wednesday, fire chiefs said.

Cumbria Police said there had been no reported casualties and it believed the building had been empty at the time.

It said it was working with the fire service to search the castle to establish the cause and scope of the damage. Although the blaze has been extinguished, fire crews are expected to remain at the site into Friday.

Historic England said it "will be offering swift advice and support to the local authority, and owner, on next steps as needed".

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