Three homes destroyed by large thatch fire in Bransbury

Fire crews spent the night putting out the fire at The Barracks in the hamlet of Bransbury

A fire has destroyed three homes in a row of four thatched cottages.

The blaze at terraced propertes in The Barracks in the hamlet of Bransbury, near Winchester, Hampshire, started shortly after 16:15 GMT on Sunday.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said it involved the roof space of two cottages and spread to a third. Crews were able to protect the fourth home.

No-one was injured and all 10 people from the homes "were safe and accounted for", the service added.

The fire broke out in the terrace of four properties on Sunday afternoon

Incident commander Rob Cole, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Thank you to all the emergency services who attended this unfortunate incident and worked hard throughout the night to save the properties and household belongings.

"Thankfully, there were no casualties and we're pleased one of the cottages could be saved."

The chimneys of two of the cottages had collapsed, the service said.

At its height, 19 fire engines and 116 firefighters tackled the blaze overnight.

Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the terrace

Residents from the four homes, which are due to be inspected by a structural engineer, are being supported by volunteers from the British Red Cross.

Crews remain at the scene to remove the thatch and protect the fourth cottage. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Bransbury Lane, which leads to The Barracks, remains closed from the A303.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area.

Over 100 firefighters have been tackling the blaze off Bransbury Lane