Blaze destroys thatched cottage

A thatched cottage in Essex has been destroyed in a severe fire.

More than 40 firefighters spent Saturday night tackling the blaze at Hempstead, near Saffron Walden, and were forced to bring in extra water.

The fire started in one wing of the property but spread, eventually destroying the whole roof.

Suffolk Fire Service provided a water bowser at the scene to help crews from Essex tackle the blaze and bring it under control.