A DERELICT care home has gone up in flames tonight.

Police have taped off the area around Oxford Road while around 20 firefighters try and extinguish what was Selena House Care Home in Stratton, near Greenbridge.

The building has suffered serious damage and pictures show the roof has been destroyed.

Smoke can also be seen billowing nearby, including in Covingham and close to the A419. There are also reports residents living around the area have been evacuated.

The care home has been empty since 2012, however it is not yet known whether anyone was inside at the time or if the blaze is being treated as suspicious. 

Fire crews, including from Westlea, will remain at the scene throughout the night to continue extinguishing the flames.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue has also called in help from Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

One person who got in touch with the Adver said: "It didn't look good, it just went up so quickly.

"But when I walked to the scene they seemed to have it under control, although I have heard since it has spread to the building next door which as far as I'm aware is also derelict."

Teenager Sam Lewis, who lives nearby, added: "I was walking down with my friend Morgan Johnson and we saw the house in flames and didn't realise at first until we got closer which soon revealed it to be the old care home, but was very shocking but dealt with quickly by the fire brigade."

Darcy Brown, who was with her friends, said: "We were really scared.

"First of all I saw the flames from Greenbridge so I ran over to see what it was about and when I got there the whole building was in flames.

"I stood there for a minute and heard the roof fall through."

Another person added: "I was terrified. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. I sprinted all the way wondering what was going on - I was shocked."

Update here: Investigation begins into 'challenging' five hour blaze at derelict care home. 

If you have any pictures of the fire that you would be happy to share, or any information, email us at newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk or get in touch via our Facebook page by clicking here.

Swindon Advertiser:

Selena House Care Home pictured in 2012