AN investigation has been launched after a garden bonfire raged out of control, wrecking a stunning 15th century farmhouse in a devastating blaze.

AN investigation has been launched after a garden bonfire raged out of control, wrecking a stunning 15th century farmhouse in a devastating blaze.

Scores of firefighters from Essex and Suffolk battled the blaze at Brook Farm, Wet Lane, in Boxted, as fire ripped through the roof and first floor of the remote property yesterday at around 12.15pm.

Fire investigators said the owners were fortunate to escape serious injury after the bonfire set light to a shed causing two gas cylinders to explode and the flames to rapidly spread.

Homeowner Anthony Corin said: “I got a hose into the area but the heat was too much. My wife rung the fire brigade after noticing the shed was on fire.”