A LARGE country house has been severely damaged after fire tore through the building yesterday.

Firefighters were called to Birch Hall, in Brass Castle Lane, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, at about 3am.

They worked until 1pm yesterday trying to tackle the blaze.

Firefighters were unable to secure the site because the structure of the building was still unsafe and last night were returning hourly to check on it.

North Yorkshire Police were notified at 4.30am yesterday.

A spokeswoman said: “At this stage, it is not known if there are any casualties as access to the building is not possible at present.

“Due to the structural condition of the building, it may take some time before access can be gained.”

The cause of the fire is unknown and police are liaising with the fire service to establish how it started and whether there are any suspicious circumstances.

Station manager Bob Robson, who was at the scene yesterday morning, said: “We arrived here at around 3am with ten fire engines.

“It was a substantial fire.

We are unable to get in there at the minute to investigate, as it is still structurally very unsafe.

“We will work alongside the police to establish the cause of this fire as soon as is practically possible.

“At the minute, we cannot confirm if there is anybody inside the building – that will be done when we can enter.”

“I don’t know what the future is for the house now.

More than 75 per cent has been destroyed and whatever is still standing will likely need knocking down.”

Brenda Thompson, independent councillor for Nunthorpe ward, said: “I am very saddened by the loss of this wonderful house.

“It was a very significant property in the area. I used to be involved with fundraising activities that regularly took place there.

“I do not know the current occupiers of the house, but my thoughts are with them.

“I just hope nobody was hurt.”

The house was previously owned by the Parish family, the proprietors of Romer Parish toy shops, until they sold it in 2004 for about £1.6m.