A RETIRED couple lost everything in a house fire that burned so fiercely the roof of their bungalow collapsed.

Two fire appliances were still damping down at the house on Wayside Road, St Leonards, at 4.20pm on Friday.

The fire brigade was called to the blaze shortly after 10.30am.

The blaze is believed to have started in an office attached to the large bungalow and spread through the roof space to the main building.

Firefighters were forced out of the building before the roof collapsed.

The owners were said to be shocked but unhurt.

For the full story and pictures, see today's Echo.