Richarde Branson:Fire burns the luxury home of Sir Richard Branson on his private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands

ompletely destroyed': Sir Richard says his son, Sam, helped to evacuate some guests from the house

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet was among guests forced to flee after a fire sparked by a lightning strike swept through Richard Branson's opulent home on the tycoon's private Caribbean island.Sir Richard said about 20 people were staying in the eight-bedroom Great House on Necker, his private isle in the British Virgin Islands. The fire is still raging in the building.
Sir Richard's daughter, Holly, who is due to marry shipbroker Freddie Andrews on the island later this year, and his 90-year-old mother, Eve, were also among guests forced to flee the Great House.www.mannastores.com

Blaze: Guests watch helplessly as the home of Richard Branson burns on his private Necker Island