A PICTURESQUE thatched home in Suffolk has been severely damaged by fire.

Around 50 firefighters tackled the fierce blaze which broke out just before 8.45pm on Tuesday night at a property in Wissett Road, between Chediston and Wissett.

When crews first arrived around half the roof was well alight, and as they tackled the flames firefighters tried to salvage items from inside the home.

However, the fire took hold and the entire thatch was eventually destroyed, with around half the first floor also badly damaged. Fire officers said “drop fires” also started on the ground floor.

Steve Mableson, Waveney station manager, said there were around eight fire crews called to the incident.

Speaking from the scene, he said: “It has burnt through to the first floor and we are hoping to stop it at that level.

“There has been a significant amount of damage to the building. We are working extremely hard and will be here into the early hours using breathing apparatus, various ladders and obtaining water from local ponds.”

He added: “There was very difficult access to the property and the road has been closed.”

The family who live at the house were believed to be at the scene and extremely shaken and upset.

Mr Mableson said it was too early to say what had caused the fire, and an investigation would be held.

He said anybody with a thatched roof who wanted safety advice could call the fire service’s community safety department.