Dozens of stunned neighbours watched a campervan destroyed by flames after a fire broke out this afternoon.

Fire crews were called out at 2.45pm to in Lucerne Drive, Seasalter, and spent almost an hour tackling the blaze.

It started when the owner was inside the vehicle and quickly spread - despite his efforts to extinguish it.

Watch manager Richard Judge said: "The fire started when the gentleman was inside the vehicle. He called us after he realised he couldn't deal with it.

"He wasn't in any danger but there was a gas cylinder close by that we had to recover. We fought the flames from behind a wall until we were able to get it.

"The message is always call us when there is a fire."

Neighbours watched in disbelief with some still in their pyjamas as they witnessed thick plumes of smoke passing their windows.

One man said: "He only got it yesterday. I spoke to him this morning about it. He must be pretty devastated."

Another woman added: "I was outside when the gas cylinders caught fire. It made me jump.

"I came outside to see what was going on after smoke went past my window."

The owner's family declined to comment.

Video: Firefighters damp down the campervan after it was gutted by a fire

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