A fire that destroyed eight businesses and fifteen flats in Dartmouth’s renowned and historic Tudor centre was likely to have been caused by an electrical fault, firefighters report.

The damaged and destroyed buildings included 16th Century Tudor buildings with a listed status of English Heritage Grade I and Grade II*. The whole area is still cordoned off whilst still been assessed for the buildings’ safety and structural integrity.

The damage was so significant to some buildings that they may have to be demolished, whilst other buildings could take over half a year to rebuild.

In a statement, English Heritage said, “"The listed buildings in Fairfax Place damaged by this fire are a hugely significant part of the historic centre of Dartmouth, valuable to the local community and without doubt they play a vital role in attracting visitors to the area.”

Local residents are trying to rebuild where they can and are working with insurers. However, this project is expected to take a couple of years and the cost of the rebuilding the whole area is estimated to be £10 million.

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