Large fire might have started in log burner

Fire crews arrived at the scene at about 22:00 BST on Saturday

A large fire that damaged a thatched-roof cottage is believed to have started in a log burner.

Crews from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called to Long Lane in Rayne on Saturday at 22:54 BST.

Nine crews, from Braintree, Great Dunmow, Halstead, Maldon, Thaxted, Tiptree, Wethersfield and two from Chelmsford were called to the scene.

Group manager Scott Meekings said: "We were able to scale the incident down by around 02:00 but crews remained at the scene into the morning to turn over the materials and dampen down."

Several fire crews from across Essex helped put out the blaze

The residents were able to get out of the cottage when the fire broke out and called 999 quickly

A spokesperson said the thatched roof of the two-storey building measured 15 metres by 10 metres and was 50% on fire.

Mr Meekings said: "Although there were working smoke alarms, thankfully the occupants were awake and noticed when the fire started, got out and called 999.

"Crews worked really hard to get the fire under control and remove the thatch material."