'Praying all are okay!' Neighbours react to fire at home in Selkirk
Last updated 27th Apr 2024
Emergency services are at the scene of a fire in Selkirk tonight (Friday), which has severely damaged a home in the town's Kingsland Avenue.
Fire crews raced to the scene - near St Joseph's Primary School - after the alarm was raised around 9pm.
Smoke could be seen billowing over the town as four fire appliances battled the blaze.
It's unclear if there are any casualties. But reacting to the flames, which could be seen lapping an upstairs window, one local said: "Praying all are okay!"
And neighbouring streets were sealed off.
It comes just over a fortnight after neighbouring homes were evacuated and a bomb disposal team called out, after a suspicious package was found in a nearby property.
It's unclear what caused the fire or if anyone was hurt.
Huge crowds had marched round the town just hours earlier, as Selkirk welcomed the appointment of the man who will lead this year's Common Riding.
Many were enjoying the festivities in the town's Victoria Hall as news of the fire spread.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video from the scene...
Locals have speculated that an electric blanket may have been to blame.
An online crowdfunder has been setup to help them replace damaged items.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 9.10pm on Friday, 26 April 2024, police were called to Kingsland Avenue, Selkirk, following a report of a fire.
“Two people, both occupants were taken to a local hospital as a precaution. The fire is not being treated as suspicious."
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