FIRE tore through a house in Shorwell on Sunday, with many Island firefighters being called out from across the IW.

Multiple crews were called out to tackle the blaze in Sandy Lane after the alarm was raised on Sunday evening.

Shorwell resident and first on the scene, Porge Russell said: "Myself and one other were the first on the scene and called the fire brigade.

"We then broke in and searched the house, but luckily noone was in there.

"The fire crews were absolutely amazing and arrived quickly.

"When I left four hours later, they were still working as such a tight team to keep on top of the fire."

Nobody was hurt in the fire and all people were accounted for, a fire and rescue service spokeswoman said.

Four pumps were sent to the scene, along with an aerial ladder platform, a water carrier and a command unit.

The fire spread through the first floor and roof of the property.

Another neighbour, Hilary Reeves, said: "My husband and I were in the lounge just before 5pm on Sunday. I heard some noise like somebody was knocking dirt off their boots, like a booming noise. I went to the kitchen window and I could see there was something coming from the roof of the house. The neighbours were also outside, the ones who live right opposite. They broke the door down because they thought people were inside but they checked and nobody was. They called the fire brigade. We could not do anything. It was devastating to watch."

Husband Colin, praised the actions of the firefighters. He said: "They were here in great numbers but could not save the house."

The burnt house owner's father, Mark Painter, started a Go Fund Me page to raise money for his daughter.

He said: "My daughter's family has had all their possessions destroyed in the fire.

"Luckily, no one was hurt, but nothing could be saved and they have only the clothes on their backs.

"If you could give any assistance to helping them get back on their feet, that would be greatly appreciated."

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/5addurc.