A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a house fire which has left a West Cumbrian village in 'mayhem'.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service received a call shortly before 1am on July 31 to a 'building fire' just off the Main Road in Seaton, Workington -it is understood that two properties may have been affected by the incidents.

Five fire engines, the aerial ladder platform and the joint incident command unit all attended the scene and nobody is believed to be seriously injured. 

Cumbria police confirmed that a woman had been arrested on suspicion of arson following the blaze.

The smell of smoke was still apparent through the village at around lunchtime yesterday, with some residents saying they had been awoken in the early hours of the morning by the bright light caused by the fire.

The front of the building.The front of the building. (Image: NQ staff)

Cumberland councillor for Seaton, Jimmy Grisdale visited the scene yesterday, speaking from the village he said: "Two houses are probably beyond damaged, but we are just thankful no one is seriously injured. 

"I have to give thanks to the police and the fire service for their help, because this has been going on for quite a few hours now.

Seaton is a close knit community and people know each other, so they will know the people who have lived their, I think there will just be a lot of shock."

The scene was cordoned off by fire tape.The scene was cordoned off by fire tape. (Image: NQ staff)

A road closure was in place throughout the day yesterday, July 31 as emergency services stayed on the scene working to make the area safe and assist residents- causing a number of issues with people trying to get around the village.

Daniel Horsley, Seaton Parish councillor was also at the scene yesterday afternoon, he said: "As you can see the village is in a bit of mayhem at the moment, traffic is coming up trying to get access to town and they can't this is what happens when you have an incident in the village.

"Unfortunately it's been a house fire, but thankfully no one has been injured."

Road closed signs were placed at both entrances to the Main Road.Road closed signs were placed at both entrances to the Main Road. (Image: NQ staff)

Mr Horsley said he believed that a contractor had been appointed to demolish the affected building and that the road would be closed until after the demolition had been carried out.