Couple in their 30s installed the panels on their five-bedroom house a month before the fire, neighbours say.

New solar panels probably caused a fire that has severely damaged a £1.5 million home.

The five-bedroom home in Ferndown, Dorset, was engulfed in 20ft flames on Monday afternoon when the panels ignited. The Telegraph has the story.

Firemen said the roof and “entire first floor” of the detached house were destroyed in the blaze. The owners were not hurt.

Neighbours said the panels had only been fitted to the property, which is believed to be owned by a couple in their 30s, in April.

Peter Webb, a 75-year-old neighbour, said he was in his garden when the “terrifying” fire started.

“My wife [was] gardening and I suddenly noticed this burning smell and said, ‘What on earth is that?’” said Mr Webb, a retired special needs specialist. “I looked up and saw 20ft high flames shooting from the back of the house and called 999.

“They were tackling the fire from our driveway and there were exploding bangs like an air raid. It was terrifying. Thankfully they managed to stop it spreading to our house.”

Another neighbour, who was not named, said “most of the house has gone”.

Read the full story here.