A THATCH cottage has been destroyed by fire after a blaze broke out last night.

At its height 12 fire crews tackled the flames at the house in Straight Road, Boxted. The fire broke out just before 7pm in the property, which is off a country lane.

Flames were billowing from the roof of the property and the surrounding area was shrouded in smoke as the fire spread.

It is thought the semi-detached homes belong to two families. The cause of the blaze is not known and no-one was injured.

Crews from Colchester, Manningtree, Nayland, Clacton, Weeley, Hadleigh , Coggeshall and Brentwood attended.

Firemen used heights equipment, two sets of breathing apparatus and two high pressure hose reels to extinguish the blaze.

Divisional Officer Danny Fearn, of Essex Fire Service, said last night: “The fire has affected two semi-detached cottages measuring approximately 17 x 14 metres.

“Crews are currently carrying out firefighting operations. Unfortunately one of the cottages roof has been severely affected by the fire and crews are in process of removing the thatch.

“Initially fire crews created a fire break to stop the fire from spreading to the cottage next door. Residents of the two cottages are staying with friends, and crews will work throughout the night and an eight pump relief of fire crew will take over.”

“At this stage it is not known how the fire started. However it is not being treated as suspicious.”