Plumes of black smoke filled the skies above Borehamwood on Wednesday morning as a huge fire destroyed the roof of a house.

Builders were close to finishing renovating the roof of the detached property in Deacons Hill Road when the blaze started just before 11am.

Devastated owner Paul Wilder said: “My wife and I were not there at the time, but our dog Molly was still in the house and we were very concerned about her.

“The whole roof has gone and the damage has fallen into the rooms below. Molly went into the room with the less damage.

“Everyone cheered when she was safely brought out. I have to call the insurance company to see what we can do now.”.

The roof was well alight by the time three fire engines from Borehamwood, Garston and Watford arrived at the scene.

Crews used thermal cameras and breathing apparatus to tackle the flames, which were visible as far as Elstree and Borehamwood train station.

Neighbour Mr Martell said: “Tiles were flying off the roof. It was like something out of a film.

“I feel very sorry for them. It must have been very scary for the people there.

“I heard a lot of noise and the burglary alarm was going off. I saw lots of people stood near my driveway and then I saw that the roof was going up in flames.”

Police cordoned off Deacons Hill Road, which remained closed for more than an hour after the fire was put out and firefighters remained for a further hour to dampen the building.

Geoff Seamin, of Borehamwood Watch Command, said it is believed the fire was caused after felt in the roof caught fire.