AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a serious house fire in the early hours of the morning in Port Glasgow.

A house in Glenbrae Road in Devol has been left gutted after the blaze tore through the property just before 4am yesterday.

Six appliances – two from the Port station, three from Greenock and one from Johnstone – were all called to the scene to tackle the fire.

The householder was not in at the time, but it is understood neighbours on either side of the mid-terraced property had to flee their homes.

No-one was injured and police have confirmed that the blaze is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.

Officers and local firefighters were still at the scene yesterday carrying out investigations to establish the exact cause.

A source told the Tele that early indications point to a possible electrical fire.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “At 3.56am on Friday we were alerted to reports of a dwelling house fire on Glenbrae Road in Port Glasgow.

“Six appliances attended and extinguished the fire using high-powered hoses – there were no casualties.

“Crews ensured the area was made safe before leaving the scene.”

One neighbour said: “The roof of the house looks to have been completely destroyed. Firefighters have been here since clearing out debris from inside and it looked like they were ensuring there were no remaining embers which could lead to another blaze.”

While the home where the fire started appears to have been completely destroyed, neighbouring properties also appear to have suffered damage.

A specialist fire investigation unit has not required to assist with the inquiry, with the probe into the cause being handled by local crews.

A spokesman for Greenock CID confirmed the fire is not being treated as wilful. Three fire engines were still at the scene yesterday, as well as several police officers who had taped off the area around the property.

A cordon had been set up blocking access to the property and the houses next door.