A major fire has ravaged the offices of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme this afternoon and this evening.

The TDS has said it is confident no customer data has been lost and said all its data is backed up off-site. However emails and phone lines are down.

It is believed the whole building at the Progression Centre, Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead, has been wrecked.

TDS said in a statement to EYE a few moments ago: “A major fire broke out at TDS’ headquarters in Hemel Hempstead.

“All staff were safely evacuated and the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is in attendance. TDS’ business continuity plan has been activated and staff are working towards making phone and email services available in the coming days.

“All data is backed up off-site and the company is confident that there has been no loss of customer data.

“TDS has planned and drilled for scenarios such as this and thanks its customers for their patience.”

The Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a tweet that it had six appliances at the site, which has now been cut to three.

** We currently have 6 appliances, along with our Command Support Unit and Aerial Ladder Platform in attendance at a commercial building fire on Mark Road, Hemel. Further details to follow shortly

— Herts Fire Control (@HertsFRSControl) January 9, 2019

** MARK ROAD, HEMEL – Incident is now being scaled down to 3 appliances and the Aerial Ladder Platform from Watford. Incident will be ongoing for sometime

— Herts Fire Control (@HertsFRSControl) January 9, 2019