My 1st Years 'heartbroken' after devastating fire at Northampton base

The owners of a personalised baby gift firm have spoken of their devastation after a huge blaze at their base on Northampton's Brackmills Industrial estate.

Fire crews have been at the scene in Caswell Road since 1.30am on Saturday (May 1) with eight appliances in attendance at the height of the fire, including one high volume pump, two aerial appliances and two water bowsers.

Earlier this morning fire crews confirmed nobody was hurt in the incident with the cause unknown at this stage, later warning they expected disruption in the area for the rest of the weekend.

Now My 1st Years, whose head office and distribution centre went up in flames, have told their hundreds of thousands of social media followers of their devastation.

A statement said: "We are heartbroken to tell you that last night there was a fire in our head office and distribution centre in Northampton.

"This is the home of My 1st Years and it's where we add the personal touch to all of your gifts.

"Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but we do not yet know the full extent of the damage.

"Unfortunately, we cannot accept your orders at this time but we will keep you updated as we move forward.

"From our family to yours, we hope that you will stay with us on this journey and we will be back soon to celebrate every milestone - big and small - in your little ones' lives."

By 6.30pm the incident, which caused the A45's exit slip roads at Brackmills to be closed, had been scaled down with one fire pump remaining in attendance.

Earlier in the day group commander Ro Cutler said their specialist fire investigation team was on site, including their fire investigation dog, to help them establish the cause of the fire.