Flames engulfed and eventually destroyed the house on Brisbane Street, at about 6.50pm.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but not before it had totally destroyed the premises.

The fire's causes are unknown at this time, but police said they are not treating it as suspicious.

The man and boy were taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

The boy was released later that night while his father was kept in hospital overnight

A woman, her two sons and grandson lived in the house and lost all of their possessions in the blaze.

See next Tuesday's Star (November 24) for more details