A builder from Grenoside, Sheffield, has told how his family home was almost completely destroyed after a neighbour's garden bonfire spread out of control during July's heatwave, calling the loss "soul-destroying". Robert Marsden lost around 70% of his house and later slept in the burnt-out shell for two weeks to stop it being burgled, after another damaged property on the street was targeted by thieves.

The fire broke out at about 04:00 BST on 23 July and affected five properties on Fox Hill Road, forcing several residents to evacuate; two men suffered minor injuries. A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released on bail. Marsden, who was away at the time, said his daughter-in-law and grandchildren narrowly avoided being in the worst-hit bedroom. He is now rebuilding the house himself with help from friends in the trade while awaiting an insurance assessment, having received support from local councillor Yvonne Sykes.