A WORKMAN has been treated for burns to his hand after fire crews were called to a blaze at a detached house in St Albans Road.

Firefighters attended the scene at 12.20pm and were able to extinguish the fire, which caused severe damage to the ground floor.

The East of England Ambulance Service and gas and electricity experts were also called to the house.

According to a neighbour the home owners were out at the time of the fire but the building was occupied by workmen.

He said: “I understand there was a workman in there and he burnt his hand. There were seven fire engines here at one time and police cars all over the place.

“I imagine it’ll be quite a shock when they come home. I think everything’s gone completely. No roof, no nothing. I think it will be pulled down and rebuilt.”

The fire is thought to be accidental and the cause is currently being investigated.