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STATELY HOME DESTROYED

Historic 500-year-old mansion Parnham House is gutted by huge blaze as police probe ‘arson attack’

Dramatic pictures show Parnham House in Beaminster, Dorset, engulfed in flame

AN HISTORIC mansion was gutted in a raging fire last night - sparking a police investigation.

Dramatic pictures show Parnham House in Beaminster, Dorset, engulfed in flames.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that 20 crews were at the scene trying to save the Grade I listed building.

Firefighters battled through the night to tackle the blaze
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Firefighters battled through the night to tackle the blazeCredit: @DWFRSCraigBaker : Twitter
The gutted remains of the much-admired stately home
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The gutted remains of the much-admired stately homeCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: "Officers are currently at the scene assisting with the fire service who are tackling the extensive blaze.

"It is not believed anyone was inside the property and there are no reports of any injuries.

"At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown; however, police are treating it as suspicious and an investigation is under way."

The picturesque property dates back to the 16th century and is considered one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses.

It was built for Robert Strode and Elizabeth Hody in 1522, and was renovated in the early 1800s.

The house dates back to the 16th century and is an architectural treasure
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The house dates back to the 16th century and is an architectural treasureCredit: @DWFRSCraigBaker : Twitter
During the 1920s Parnham was a country club
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During the 1920s Parnham was a country clubCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Cops have now launched an investigation into what caused the fire
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Cops have now launched an investigation into what caused the fireCredit: @DWFRSCraigBaker : Twitter
A spokeswoman for the fire service said an investigation was now being lead by Dorset Police
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A spokeswoman for the fire service said an investigation was now being lead by Dorset PoliceCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

A 2009 article states that Parnham House is owned by Michael and Emma Treichl.

Dorset Police have started an investigation into the blaze.

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