Richard Branson’s home burnt down

KATE Winslet was forced to flee Sir Richard Branson’s Caribbean home last night after a fire ripped through the house burning it to the ground.

The Oscar-winning actress had been holidaying at The Great House on the Virgin boss’ with her children.

Sir Richard’s 90-year-old mother, Eve, and his 29-year-old daughter, Holly, also managed to escape the building unhurt.

Sir Richard owner of Virgin Games among many other brands, who was staying in another property around 100 yards away with his wife, Joan, and son, Sam, 25, said: “Around 20 people were in the house and they all managed to get out and they are all fine.”

The 60-year-old bought Necker Island in the early 1980s and began building the eight-bedroom Great House in 1982.

He added: “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. My mother was there and they managed to get her out and she is fine.

“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 which is very sad.”