Leicestershire and Rutland Fire Service received several calls from neighbours alerting them to the fire just after 10am.

Crews from Oakham, Uppingham and a fire support unit from Wigston attended the blaze at the house and part of the road was cordoned off by police.

An ambulance and paramedic vehicle also rushed to the scene but their services were not needed as the house was empty. The owners are believed to be on holiday.

The four bedroom property, which had a sold sign in the front garden, had been for sale with Gilbert and Thomas for £219,950.

The alarm was raised by residents two doors down from the fire, which was at number 91.

Incident commander Mark Draper said: "En route we received a message to say several more people had phoned in about the fire which made us think it must be quite a big incident."

When the firefighters arrived the house was fully ablaze and flames were coming from the downstairs windows and front room.

The incident commander spoke with neighbours about whether anyone was inside and they were unsure so two firefighters using breathing apparatus searched and tackled the fire upstairs and another two worked downstairs.

He said: "The breathing apparatus teams worked well together and brought the fire under control fairly quickly. Thankfully there was no one inside the building."

Fire crews continued to damp down the building and left the site at 12.45pm when the police and fire service started an investigation.

A full investigation will take place this afternoon with a fire service team and the police scene of crime officers. Until then, there is no indication as to what started the fire.

Launderette worker Gill Akar, 51, another neighbour said: "I saw the smoke at about 10am and looked out and everywhere there was smoke. It was really scary."

Thirteen year old Keiran Moore, of Tay Close, was on his way to see his grandfather at Brooke Close when he saw the smoke.

He told his grandfather Bryan Garfoot that he thought it might be a fire and cycled round to have a look.

Kieran said: "I saw the smoke and the flames coming out of the house."

11am: A HOUSE has been severely damaged by fire in Oakham.

Fire crews attended the scene this morning in Welland Way. the road was blocked off by police.

No-one is believed to have been injured and it is thought the house was empty at the time of the fire.

Neighbours called the fire service

10.30am: A HOUSE is on fire in Welland Way, Oakham.

Three fire crews are battling the blaze at a detached house after being alerted at about 10.20am. Police and paramedics are also at the scene.

More to follow.

Did you see what happened or take any pictures? E-mail them to smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk