Firefighters have saved a historic thatched cottage tonight after a serious fire started in the chimney of the house.

East Anglian Daily Times: Firefighters managed to save the cottage in Wickhambrook Picture:MARIAM GHAEMIFirefighters managed to save the cottage in Wickhambrook Picture:MARIAM GHAEMI (Image: MARIAM GHAEMI)

Eleven firecrews were called to the scene of the blaze in Wickhambrook at 7.53pm this evening, near Bury St Edmunds and after fighting the blaze for two hours, they successfully dowsed the flames.

It is believed that the fire originated from the chimney of the property and 20% of the thatch roof was damaged during the fire.

East Anglian Daily Times: The morning after the cottage fire in Wickhambrook Picture:MARIAM GHAEMIThe morning after the cottage fire in Wickhambrook Picture:MARIAM GHAEMI (Image: MARIAM GHAEMI)

Crew members were seen stripping thatch from the roof of the historic cottage to try to save the house as smoke bellowed from the thatch.

Residents reported seeing several fire engines driving at speed towards the scene and well wishers have taken to social media to send their thoughts to the residents of the property.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fire fighter could be seen fighting the blaze on top of the house. Picture: ANDY THOMPSONFire fighter could be seen fighting the blaze on top of the house. Picture: ANDY THOMPSON (Image: ANDY THOMPSON)

One eye witness said: “It was horrid. The road didn’t open until late.”

The police were are also in attendance and closed the road in both direction while firecrews attended the scene.

East Anglian Daily Times: Firefighters climbed onto the roof of the property to fight the flames. Picture: SUFFOLK FIREFirefighters climbed onto the roof of the property to fight the flames. Picture: SUFFOLK FIRE (Image: SUFFOLK FIRE)

The house is opposite Wickhambrook Community Primary school on the B1063, otherwise known as Shop Hill.

The fire service mobilised engines from Clare, Haverhill, Wickhambrook, Bury St Edmunds, Ixworth, and Newmarket and the incident was over by 10.12pm.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fire engines were sent to the town centre tower block on at least two occasions on December 16 Picture: ANDY THOMSONFire engines were sent to the town centre tower block on at least two occasions on December 16 Picture: ANDY THOMSON (Image: ANDY THOMSON)

East Anglian Daily Times: The fire started just before 8pm this evening. Picture: ANDY THOMPSONThe fire started just before 8pm this evening. Picture: ANDY THOMPSON (Image: ANDY THOMPSON)

East Anglian Daily Times: A thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAA thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: A thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAA thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: VICTORIA PERTUSA)

East Anglian Daily Times: A thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAA thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: VICTORIA PERTUSA)

East Anglian Daily Times: A thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAA thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: VICTORIA PERTUSA)

East Anglian Daily Times: A thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAA thatched cottage was damaged by a fire in Wickhambrook Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)