A MOTHER has spoken of the “devastation” and “shock” caused after her flat was destroyed by a fire that started in the restaurant below her home.

Jenny Smyth rushed back to her flat in Wimborne Road, Moordown on Sunday, October 7 to find the road was closed off and firefighters were dealing with the incident.

Her flat had been left “uninhabitable”. She moved into a room at her boyfriend’s grandmother’s home with her two daughters, aged six and nine.

The day after the blaze, she visited the flat with a firefighter to see if anything could be salvaged.

Ms Smyth told the Daily Echo the damage was “absolutely devastating”.

“The floor has gone in places,” she said. “Everything is smoke damaged, but I was able to take a few things.

“Just seeing the girls’ room was horrible. Going in and seeing the damage was quite horrifying.

“I think I have been in a state of shock ever since.

“It doesn’t really look like my home anymore.

“The fire had come up through the floor in the girl’s bedroom.

“If it had happened at night we would have all been in bed. In a way it is lucky we were out and no one was injured at all.”

Ms Smyth said firefighters ripped the flat apart attempting to find the source of the fire, which was later located in Affamato cafe underneath her home.

Her daughters, who both attend Winton Primary School, have been supported with uniform from the school, while friends of the family have offered financial help.

“The school have been wonderful, with uniform and clothes.

“The positive that has come out of this is you realise how people will be there to offer help and support when you need it.”

She is currently on the look out for a flat to rent around Winton as her family is living out of one room and hoping to move out soon.