12 fire engines were sent to the scene of a large fire yesterday in Willian, near Letchworth.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 10.10am on Wednesday to reports of a house fire, and four fire engines were initially sent to the scene.

Firefighters found a large fire in a barn that had been converted into a row of houses, with the fire spreading from the end property to the neighbouring property.

More resources were called in and 12 fire engines were present at the height of the incident.

Firefighters created fire breaks and tackled the fire from inside and outside the building, including from an aerial platform.

The fire was extinguished by 2pm, and the incident was scaled down. Four fire crews remained at the incident to damp down the scene, and left at around 4.30pm.

Everyone was safely accounted for and the fire is believed to have started accidentally.

Police officers also attended the scene, having been called just before 10.20am by the fire and rescue service. Officers assisted with traffic management, and local road closures were put in place until the fire was extinguished.