Thatched cottage wrecked in blaze

Paddy Butler Drone image of the thatched cottage on fire, surrounded by fire engines. Flames and smoke can be see coming from the roof.Paddy Butler
Fire crews were called to the rural home near Ringwood on Saturday

A thatched cottage has been wrecked after a fire tore through the roof.

Crews from Hampshire and Dorset were called to the rural home near Ringwood at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the occupants managed to escape unharmed but a "large portion" of the roof was in flames.

More than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze, which burned into the night.

Two fire engines remained on scene on Sunday, damping down and tackling hotspots.

Incident commander Jim Couch said: "The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

"There has unfortunately been significant damage to the property.

"It's a devastating loss for the residents of the property but thankfully there were no injuries."