FAMILIES in Ledbury have been left devastated after a fire tore through a flat.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue rushed to a fire on Lawnside Road at 7.14am on Wednesday.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the families affected, with over £1,000 raised in less than 24 hours.

Fund-raiser organiser Samantha Lancett, said: "As many of you are aware there has been an awful fire Lawnside Road, Ledbury.

"Multiple families have been affected, some have lost everything.

"We are hoping as a community we can pull together and raise enough funds to help these families start all over again."

Two crews were deployed - from Ledbury and Malvern - to combat the fire that had started on the top floor of a three-story, mid-terrace block of flats.

 Due to its location, the aerial ladder platform based in Hereford had to be called out to help deal with the fire. The blaze had spread to the roof space above the top floor flat, meaning roof tiles above the fire had to be cut away in order to combat the flames. 

Both Western Power and Cadent Gas were required to attend after concerns over electrical and gas lines. West Mercia Police were also in attendance at the scene. 

It is believed 12 families have been displaced by the fire, with the community moving to help those in need. Ledbury Food Bank has been collecting crucial items like clothing and toiletries, and local businesses throughout Ledbury have provided food for families.

Cllr Stef Simmons, vice chairperson of Herefordshire council, thanked everyone who had helped those affected "in any and every way."