A man was hospitalised with smoke inhalation after a devastating fire completely destroyed a house in Haydon, Wells, in the early hours of this morning (17 January).

Fire crews from Wells and Shepton Mallet were called to the property on Haydon Drove at around 1am to tackle the blaze, which spread rapidly after starting in a log burner in the living room.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the fire caused "100 per cent damage" to the property, leaving it uninhabitable. The damage was compounded by the water used to extinguish the flames.

In a statement, a fire service spokesperson said: "Crews from Wells and Shepton Mallet, along with a supporting officer, were mobilised to a report of a domestic property on fire on Haydon Drove.

"On arrival, crews requested two additional fire appliances and a water carrier due to the severity of the incident, with smoke and flames issuing from the property.

"One male was suffering from smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The cause of the fire was accidental."

Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control and ensure the site was safe. The property was left gutted by the fire.

No further information has been released about the condition of the man injured in the incident.