A huge blaze engulfed a house and part of a road in Medmenham, near Marlow, yesterday.

Neighbours watched as oil spilled out of a heating tank and ignited along a section of North Close while about 30 firefighters battled the house fire just after 4pm.

A couple and their son who live in the house were also present and could only stand and watch as their possessions were destroyed by the flames. No-one was injured.

Watch manager Alex Strand from High Wycombe fire station said: "When we got there the oil tank, a garage, vehicle and a tree were alight.

"Part of the roadway drive was also damaged due to oil flowing down the road and igniting."

He added: "We did send in crews for a salvage operation but due to the ferocity of the fire we could only save some minor items."

The roof was completely destroyed while the first floor was '75 per cent involved' and the ground floor was '25 per cent involved'.

The fire, which was brought under control at about 6.30pm, is believed to have started in the oil tank, which is about the size of a filing cabinet. The cause is still under investigation.

Five crews attended the scene - four from High Wycombe, including a mobile ladder unit, and one from Beaconsfield.