A fire caused extensive damage to a Cumbrian business yesterday morning (August 30).

Longtown Fire Station said they were mobilised at around 4.30am with Brampton Fire Station to the fire at Hethersgill ATV Services, just off the road from Longtown to Brampton near Laversdale.

It is a family-run business which specialises in ATV & UTV sales, repairs, spares, accessories and equipment.

A spokesperson from Longtown Fire Station said: “Crews were confronted with a major fire in a workshop and showroom containing vehicles.

“Initial conditions were very difficult and the fire was well established on arrival.”

More firefighters from the Carlisle West and East fire stations were requested.

“Crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire, but unfortunately, it has resulted in extensive damage which must be devastating for the owners," said the fire station spokesman.

“A number of properties were evacuated in the immediate area for occupant safety and we thank everyone for their cooperation,” the Longtown Fire Station spokesperson said, adding that they returned at around 9.30am but fire crews were in attendance until the early afternoon.

A spokesperson from Hethersgill ATV Services said that morning that they were closed because of the fire and asked all customers to bear with them while they assess the situation.

Yesterday evening they said: “We would like to thank everyone for their show of support towards us today.

“Thank you to the emergency services, and to our fantastic neighbours for all you have done for us today.

“We have been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and good wishes.

“This has been a hell of a day and we are all devastated.

“We will keep you informed of updates as we go along.

“We are not defeated just need time to process and work through our next steps.

“We have diverted our phone lines.”