Fire seriously damaged a family's home while they were on holiday.
A blaze broke out in a first floor bedroom and roof of their semi-detached house in St Peter's Drive, Thornton, near Coalville early today.
Fire crews from Coalville and Ashby responded to the incident, which was reported at 4.59am.
They found the property well alight when they arrived and wore breathing equipment to tackle the blaze.
A building inspector was called to examine the safety of the property.
The Fire Emergency Support Service vehicle was called out and was used to accommodate the family from the neighbouring property while firefighters inspected their home for damage.
Crew manager Steve Page, of Coalville fire station, said: "The family whose home was involved in the fire were on holiday.
"They were due to return home today, it is very unfortunate for them."
The fire service said an unattended heater was believed to have caused the blaze.
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