A HISTORIC building near Chard and Ilminster has been damaged in what emergency services believe was a deliberately started fire.

The three-storey derelict house on Abbey Street in Crewkerne went up in flames on Wednesday, March 6.

Police received a report at about 6pm from a member of the public who believed 'youths' had broken in and started a fire.

The fire service believe it was started intentionally.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "At about 6pm on Wednesday, March 6, we were called by a member of the public who believed youths had broken into an abandoned building in Crewkerne.

"They also stated they could see smoke coming from the building.

"Police and firefighters attended the scene in Abbey Street.

"The fire was extinguished and a search of the building found there was nobody inside.

"The building has since been secured.

"Officers remained on the scene until approximately 9.45pm.

"Anyone with information about the incident is asked to please call 101 and quote reference number 5224058993."

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service added: "We were called to a fire on the first floor of a three-storey derelict building at 6.10pm on Wednesday, March 6.

"Five pumping appliances and special appliances attended.

"The building was heavily smoke logged and crews used water jets and breathing apparatus to fight the fire.  

"We believe the fire was started deliberately.

"The fire was extinguished that evening but we did have a crew there overnight as a precaution."