As we were going to press yesterday (Thursday), a joint fire and police investigation was underway into a large fire in Whitland.

The blaze at Grosvenor House, on the corner of Market Street and St. John Street, broke out at 5.45 pm on Wednesday.

Fire appliances from Whitland, Narberth, Crymych and Carmarthen attended the fire in the three-storey property, which was well alight on their arrival.

There was a large fire to the attic area of the house which was an unoccupied and disused property.

Ambulances were also in attendance.

Firefighters used two ground monitors, two hose reel jets, 14 breathing apparatus and water from three hydrants to tackle the fire.

The brigade's specialist aerial appliance from Sketty also attended.

The occupants of St. John Street, whose houses were on the same terrace as Grosvenor House, were evacuated and taken to the local care home who provided refreshments etc.

The blaze was brought under control and the scene preserved overnight for examination yesterday (Thursday).

"The cause of the fire is undetermined, and a joint investigation between the police and the fire service continues," said a police spokesman.

The main road through Whitland at Market Street was closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to the possibility of the roof or the walls collapsing. One lane remained closed yesterday afternoon.

Anyone with any information or who was in the area prior to the fire is asked to contact police on 101.