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

'Completely 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.

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

Devastation: Sir Richard said about 20 people, including Kate Winslet, were staying in the eight-bedroom Great House on Necker, his private isle 

Devastation: Sir Richard said about 20 people, including Kate Winslet, were staying in the eight-bedroom Great House on Necker, his private isle in the British Virgin Islands

'Completely destroyed': Sir Richard says his son, Sam, helped to evacuate some guests from the house
The Virgin entrepreneur, 61, his wife, Joan, and son, Sam, were on the island but were staying in another property around 100 yards away when the fire broke out last night.
He said the fire broke out during a storm, and Sam managed to help evacuate Winslet and other guests.
The house was 'completely destroyed', he added, and the fire was not yet entirely extinguished this morning.
In recent days, the Caribbean has been buffeted by tropical storms, with the one passing over Necker Island last night today picking up speed to become the first hurricane of the season.
This morning Hurricane Irene hit Puerto Rico, sending residents fleeing for shelter in refuges and knocking out electricity across half of the U.S.-administered island, including San Juan, the capital
From his devastated home on Necker Island, Sir Richard said: 'We had a really bad tropical storm with winds up to 90mph. A big lightning storm came around 4am and hit the house.
'My son Sam rushed to the house and helped get everyone out.
'Kate Winslet, her boyfriend and her family were there, and Holly and some of her friends were also staying.
'Many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90 year mum out of the main house to safety – she was wondering when a Director was going to shout CUT!
'The main house is completely destroyed and the fire is not yet completely out. My office was based in the house and I have lost thousands of photographs and my note books which is very sad.
'But all family and friends are well - which in the end is all that really matters.'