More than 100 firefighters raced to Constantine last night to battle a fire affecting five terraced homes in the village.

It is believed the blaze started near a domestic heating oil tank, which was engulfed in flames.

The incident was reported to the emergency services just before 8pm, and a total of 16 appliances were despatched to the scene, with around 100 firefighters in attendance.

Six homes were evacuated, and officers quickly ensured nobody was trapped in the buildings affected.

The flames were quickly brought under control, but officers remained on scene for several hours ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.

A fire investigation team will attend the scene later this morning, with the cause of the incident yet to be firmly established.