Three people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire in Cockermouth.
The blaze began late last night at a house in St Leonard's Close.
There were no reports of anyone suffering injuries but homes had to be evacuated in the immediate vicinity while fire crews attended the scene.
Cumbria Police have subsequently arrested two women, aged 31 and 50, and a man aged 36 on suspicion of arson.
A police spokesman said that the cause of the fire is currently unexplained but under investigation.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue were called out just before 11pm, to reports of a blaze, which involved an under-stairs cupboard.
Three fire engines attended and firefighters used six breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one covering jet, two thermal imaging cameras and a positive pressure ventilation unit to put the flames out.
Crews were on scene for around two hours and 20 minutes.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact police referencing incident 236 of 26 November 2019.
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