Three people remain unaccounted for following a serious house fire that broke out in the early hours of Boxing Day in Gloucestershire, according to police and emergency services.
The incident occurred at a residential property on Brimscombe Hill, near the town of Stroud. Emergency crews were alerted to the fire at around 3:00am GMT and rushed to the scene, where the building was already well alight.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed that one occupant managed to escape the property and was taken to hospital for treatment. The individual’s condition has not been publicly disclosed. Police said three other people were believed to have been inside the house at the time of the fire but have not yet been located.
Officers said search efforts are ongoing and remain a priority as emergency teams continue working at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether the missing individuals are trapped inside the property or managed to leave before firefighters arrived.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said several crews were deployed to tackle the blaze. Firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring buildings, helping to avoid further damage or injuries in the area. However, the affected property itself suffered extensive destruction.
Due to the severity of the damage, specialist structural engineers were called in to assess the safety of the building before firefighters could begin internal inspections. Officials confirmed that engineers have now declared the structure stable enough for crews to enter and carry out further investigations.
Fire service officials said crews are expected to remain at the site throughout the day as they work to determine the cause of the fire. At this stage, no information has been released about how the blaze started, and investigators are keeping an open mind while inquiries continue.
As a precaution, part of Brimscombe Hill has been closed to traffic and pedestrians. Local residents have been advised to avoid the area while emergency operations and safety checks remain in progress. Police have thanked the public for their patience and cooperation.
Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood described being woken by flashing lights, sirens, and the smell of smoke during the night. Some said the response from emergency services was swift, with multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles attending the scene.
Local authorities have not commented on whether alternative accommodation will be provided for those affected, though support services are typically offered following major residential fires. Police said further updates would be issued as more information becomes available.
The incident highlights the risks associated with overnight house fires, when occupants may be asleep and less able to respond quickly. Fire services regularly advise households to install working smoke alarms, keep exits clear, and have an emergency escape plan in place.
Investigations into the cause of the Brimscombe Hill fire are continuing, and police said it may take time before firm conclusions can be reached. For now, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and ensuring the safety of emergency crews and the local community.