Three people dead after house fire in Northamptonshire

Three people have died after a fire in a listed building.

Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics were called to the blaze at the Grade II listed property in Beswick Close, in Rushton, near Kettering, Northamptonshire, at about 22:30 GMT on Friday.

Northamptonshire Police said three people - whose identities have not yet been confirmed - later died. Three police officers needed hospital assessment after breathing in smoke.

The property is a former train station that has been converted into a home. Eyewitnesses told the BBC the tragedy had left the community "traumatised".

One resident said: "From our drive we [could] see flames.

"The house was on fire, it was all on fire, but we didn't know if anybody was in it.

"Everybody is very sad. They're very distraught."

Mike Brightman, vice chairman of Rushton Parish Council, said: "It's a very sad day for the village, losing some of our residents in such a horrific way."

In a post on X the MP for Kettering, Rosie Writing, said: "I am saddened by this tragic fire and my thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved and everyone in the Rushton community.

"Thank you to the emergency services who attended the scene."

A fire investigation has begun.

Emergency services remain at the scene. Roads nearby are closed. Drivers have been asked to avoid the area.

Trains have been affected by the fire, which was next to the line between Kettering and Market Harborough, including some services between Sheffield and London St Pancras.

Network Rail said it expected the normal timetable to resume by 15:00.

The house was previously the Glendon and Rushton railway station before it was converted for residential use.

It was granted Grade II listed status in 1981.