Three die after fire at Grade II listed building

Three people have died after a house fire at a converted railway station.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at the Grade II-listed property in Rushton, near Kettering, Northamptonshire, at about 22:30 GMT on Friday.

Northamptonshire Police said three people - who have not been identified - later died. Three police officers needed hospital assessment after breathing in smoke.

The blaze, in Beswick Close, was next to the rail line and affected train services to London St Pancras on Saturday.

Villagers told the BBC they had been "traumatised" by the tragedy.

One 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 Wrighting, 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.

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

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.

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