Jimmy White loses 'everything but snooker cue' in Epsom flat fire

Snooker legend Jimmy White says he lost everything apart from his cue when a fire ripped though his Surrey flat.

The former UK Championship and Masters winner tweeted a photo of fire crews at the property in Alexandra Road, Epsom, on Tuesday as smoke billowed from the roof.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said crews had to rescue one person from the block and lead another 15 people to safety after the blaze broke out.

Mr White wrote: “Fire at my flat this morning. Everything gone.

“Gutted. Cue was in car and most importantly no one hurt.”

His long-time friend Kevin Kelly also posted a picture showing a window frame hanging down from the third-room flat.

He wrote: "Shocking scenes in Alexandra road Epsom this morning.

"Jimmy’s flat on fire".

Snooker player Mike Dunn tweeted: “Really awful news pal, main thing is you and anyone else is ok.”

Mr White, 54, nicknamed the Whirlwind, is due to play in the German Masters this week.

It is understood that despite the damage to his home, he was travelling out to Germany for the tournament.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.