The British High Commissioner’s residence in Canada has been damaged after a fire broke out in the attic.

Fire was reported at the grey stone mansion, known as Earnscliffe in Ottawa, at just before 7.45pm on Tuesday 4 October.

Firefighters were hampered by a ‘maze’ of twisting, low attic rooms that forced them to crawl on their hands and knees. The fire was under control by 9pm.

The Victorian mansion is home to the high commissioner, Andrew  Pocock.

Most of the damage was confined to the attic area and to some of the third floor just below that. It is estimated that the building has suffered £155,000 worth of damage and around £31,000 worth of contents damage.

The fire service had said it would be up to a week before anyone is allowed back into the premises because asbestos may be present.

The house, a grey Victorian building on the south bank of the Ottawa River, was built in the 1850s by John McKinnon. It was designated as a heritage site in 1960.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but the incident is being considered accidental.