More than £20,500 raised for village fire victims

Thousands of pounds have been raised for five families who lost their homes to a fire

More than £20,500 has been raised for five families who were left homeless following a fire.

Fire crews were called to Low Street in Bardwell, Suffolk, after reports of a blaze ripping through a row of thatched cottage on Saturday afternoon.

Bardwell Parish Council set up an online fundraiser to help those involved, many of whom have lost everything.

Chairman of the council, David Ruffles, said it had been "overwhelming" to see the huge response.

David Ruffles said he had been left speechless by the community's outpour of support for the families

"I can't believe it if I'm being honest, I'm usually the one who's accused of actually talking too much, and I'm lost for words on this for once," he said.

Ruffles explained that the money would be split evenly between the families.

"I can't emphasise enough they have lost everything, some of them only had [left] the clothes that they were wearing at the time," he added.

"They've got nothing because the fire was so intense. Some of them were unable to get anything out at all."

An investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, according to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighters had the fire under control by 23:47 BST on Saturday

One of the families involved is expecting a baby very soon and had even just bought their nursery items a week before they were lost to the fire.

Physical donations have also been given to many of the victims, but Ruffles explained they had more than enough and did not need any more.

He said he expected the families to make use of the money for rented accommodation.

"We just want to make sure there is no gap for them," he continued.

"They can try and rebuild their life and as quickly as possible."