FIREFIGHTERS were called out yesterday as flames tore through a three-storey Tudor house near Abingdon.

Ten fire crews tackled the blaze in Barrow Road, Shippon, which began in the chimney at about 10am.

An Oxfordshire fire and rescue service spokesman said: “Soon after arrival, flames were visible through the roof and smoke was issuing from both ends.”

Firefighters tackled the fire on the first and second floors as well as in the roof space.

The spokesman said that the roof was badly affected, but other damage was largely restricted to areas round the large chimney.

No-one was injured in the blaze.

Fire service group manager David Heycock praised his crews for preventing the fire from spreading.

He added: “This was a difficult fire and the results could have been far worse. A fire is tragic at any time of year but it must be especially traumatic to experience such a serious event at this time.

“Our thoughts go out to the family.”