A BLAZE last night ripped through the roof of the home of Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club director John Baxter.

Fire crews were called out to Exwick Barton, in St Andrew's Road, near Cowley, shortly before 8.30pm.

More than eight appliances, from Topsham, Exeter and Exmouth, were needed to tackle the fire, which caused extensive damage.

It is understood that the property belongs to Mr Baxter, who had been watching Exeter Chiefs' second team play Oxford University at Sandy Park with son, Exeter Chiefs coach Rob, when the blaze broke out.

They rushed to the scene to help clear possessions from the building after firefighters confirmed it was safe to enter shortly after 9.30pm.

Rob said it was not yet clear how the fire had started and the family was "busy trying to sort things out".

Watch commander Rowan Delasalle, based in Exeter, was at the scene.

He said: "The fire began in the slate roof and nobody was at home when it began.

"When we arrived, the fire was well developed. We were able to tackle it from inside the property and by using ladders outside.

"A fire break was created and we were able to get it under control."

Firefighters reported that the roof and first floor of the home, which had a vaulted ceiling, were completely destroyed.

The ferocity of the fire also burned holes in several sections of the ground floor ceiling.

St Andrew's Road was partially blocked by the police for several hours while firefighters made the scene safe and investigated the cause.