Neighbours near an abandoned house were forced to leave their homes early this morning following a large blaze.

Firefighters were called to the two-storey villa on Hereford Street at 5.20am.

Five crews in attendance.

Neighbours of either side of the villa were asked to evacuate as a precaution.

It’s understood the house is often used by homeless people.

There’s no word on how the fire started.

Fire fighters remain at the scene.

In August a Council spokeswoman told Chris Lynch they were aware of another abandoned house that was deemed a fire risk on Worcester Street and were investigation.

Neighbours told Chris Lynch the house was a fire risk.