A fire seriously damaged a family's home while they were away on holiday.
A heater is believed to have started the blaze, which broke out in a first floor bedroom and roof of their semi-detached house in St Peter's Drive, Thornton, near Coalville, yesterday.
Two fire crews from Coalville and one from Ashby responded to the incident, which was reported by neighbours at 4.59am.
They found the property well alight 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 used to accommodate a 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 badly damaged the roof and first floor and there was water damage to the ground floor.
