Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crews were called out this morning to a boat fire in the River Exe.

Both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats launched to a report of a small cabin cruiser on fire 400 metres from the shore near Starcross.

The fire had been reported to the coastguard by a man who was nearby onboard his own boat at the time the fire started.

On arrival, the all-weather lifeboat R and J Welburn went alongside Starcross Pier to take Fire and Hazardous Area Response teams on board, while the inshore lifeboat crew conducted a search in case there was anyone in the water.

The three owners of the boat had been located safely ashore, and after the fire was extinguished, it was confirmed that no-one was on board.

The wrecked boat sank in a safe location as it was being towed to shore near Powderham.