A blaze which ripped through a warden’s bungalow in an elderly people’s complex in Weavers Drive, Trowbridge, was caused by an electrical appliance.

Fire crews from Bradford on Avon, Warminster, Frome, Trowbridge, and Devizes raced to the scene at 5.15pm on Saturday.

The warden, Roy Lovelock, was not in at the time but firefighters discovered his dog dead inside the burnt-out home.

The blaze also damaged the roof of the neighbouring bungalow of June White, 79.

Karen Edwards was returning to her home in Eagle Park with her daughter, Danielle Hunt, when they saw smoke. Along with other locals, they helped evacuate elderly residents to the other side of the complex.

Mrs Edwards said: “They were frightened because they didn’t know who we were. The smoke and fire was spreading quickly. It was just a relief to get them out.”

Nickie Carter, whose 89-year-old mother Maisie Thomas was one of those evacuated, said: “It has been a huge shock for her but she has been very lucky. The ladies helping her were brilliant. Mum thought someone was trying to burgle her, but they were persistent.

“If they had not kept on trying to get her out, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Mr Lovelock and Mrs White have been staying in a local B&B since the fire.