Firefighters today tackled a blaze at a historic thatched cottage in Hockley.

A call alerted the fire service shortly after 4.30am to the fire at the cottage in Greensward Lane.

The roof of the cottage was alight and had partially collapsed and four fire engines attended the scene with an aerial ladder platform.

The cottage, a grade two listed building which was built in 1580, was not thought to be occupied at the time of the fire.

Wrecked - firefighters bring the blaze under control

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

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