A MOTHER and daughter from St Albans have spoken of their devastation after a fire destroyed the roof of their business this weekend.

To add to the heartbreak of the fire, Nicky and Kiran Heer have told how passers by were sniggering and taking videos on their mobile phones as they frantically tried to stop the flames from spreading.

The blaze at Pure Indulgence, in Catherine Street, on Saturday evening is believed to have started close to where the beauty salon was being refurbished.

Owner Nicky said: "The ladder was using was on the pavement so I wanted to check if it was safe.

"I looked up and saw a glow and thought nothing, but it spread in a matter of minutes."

Nicky said staff from the Coupers garage across the road came to help them attempt to put out the fire, while they waited for firefighters to arrive.

She added: "It was manic at the time, my head was all over the place because I was just shocked. It was bad but it could have been worse.

"But what I find really horrible is people were standing across the road videoing us. I personally didn't feel like there was a community there."

Kiran, 15, added: "I was just scared that it was going to spread so I ran upstairs and got everyone out to make sure everyone was okay.

"Within in five minutes everything was on fire, my mum was in a state of shock. By the time the fire brigade came it wasn't just a small fire, it was massive.

"We're still just really shock, can't believe it happened. For me it's the worse time to happen because I'm studying for my GSCE exams."

Kiran has expressed her disappointment over the lack of support they received from members of the public. She added: "My mum was panicking and in shock, and rather than anyone reaching out to her, people were videoing her reaction.

"I just feel like nobody really cared, like it was a bit of gossip. Even people in the area who know what has happened haven't come to see if we're okay. So much for community spirit."

Pure Indulgence will remain closed until the building is structurally safe.